Carbondale Reporter

Unity Point Community Consolidated School District 140 Board met Oct. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Unity Point Board of Education was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by the President, D. W. Presley, with the following members present: Susan Murphy, D. W. Presley, Amanda Pangrazio and Sylvia Thoms. Others present were: Lori James-Gross, Michelle Brown, Chris Rogers, Leslie Varble and Mary Beth Goff.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Susan Murphy to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

D.W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2022, regular meeting/budget hearing, copy attached. Motion carried with all voting yea.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

- Approval of Bills

- Presentation of Financial Reports

- Jackson County SFST October Distribution

- Correspondence

- JCHD Food Inspection Report

- Early Childhood ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality Designation

- Letter from former Art Teacher, Kristin Jones

Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

D. W. Presley recognized guests and visitors that were present.

Public Comments – None

UPEA Remarks – The PERA team went to IEA training. The UPEA is providing lounge treats to help build community among staff. Members of UPEA are writing grants for professional development, colleague appreciation, etc. and are becoming more politically active (Workers Rights’ Amendment, etc.).

Dr. James-Gross provided an update regarding current IDPH, JCHD, and ISBE Guidance as well as updated District information pertaining to COVID including Unity Point Internal Metrics and SHIELD Results.

Michelle Brown, Business Manager, provided the 1st Quarter Financial Analysis.

Dr. Lori James-Gross, Superintendent, Leslie Varble, Principal for Instruction, and Mary Beth Goff, Dean of Students, provided the following Administrative Updates:

1. Enrollment Report (as of 10/18/22)

2. Continuous Improvement Team (CIT) Update

3. Release of Illinois School Report Card/2021-2022 IAR Designation

D. W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to employ the following staff for the 2022/2023 School Year:

1. Crystal Phillips, Assistant BETA Sponsor

2. Sumitha McCauley, Social Worker – effective November 7th.

D. W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to nominate Sylvia Thoms to be the IASB Delegate on behalf of Unity Point at the 2022 Triple I Conference in Chicago. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

Susan Murphy made the motion, seconded by D. W. Presley to release the following executive session minutes dated:

- July 15, 2021

- November 16, 2021

- January 20, 2022

- February 22, 2022

- March 17, 2022

- April 21, 2022

- May 18, 2022

- June 16, 2022

Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

D. W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to enter into Executive Session at 6:50 p.m. to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

D. W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to enter back into Regular Session at 8:27 p.m. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

Amanda Pangrazio made the motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to approve the minutes from the October 20, 2022 Executive Session. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Susan Murphy to approve the updated School Resource Officer Contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

Board Remarks – None

Administrative Remarks – Looking forward to Fall Festival.

D. W. Presley made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried 4-0 with all voting yea.

https://www.up140.org/en-US/school-board-ba9b93cc