Carbondale Reporter

Unity Point Community Consolidated School District 140 Board met Dec. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Unity Point Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the President, Amanda Pangrazio, with the following members present: Elizabeth Mackenbach, Amanda Pangrazio, Courtney O’Dell, Brent Pease and Sylvia Thoms. Others present were: Dr. Lori James-Gross, Michelle Brown, Griffin Groves and Mary Beth Goff.

Elizabeth Mackenbach made a motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to approve the Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented, copy attached. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Courtney O’Dell made the motion, seconded by Brent Pease to approve the minutes of the December 10, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes as presented, copy attached. Votes were as follows: Elizabeth Mackenbach – yea; Amanda Pangrazio – yea; Courtney O’Dell – yea; Brent Pease – yea; Sylvia Thoms – abstain. Motion carried 4-0-1.

Elizabeth Mackenbach made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

- Approval of Bills

- Presentation of Financial Reports

- Jackson County SFST December Distribution

- Procurement Card Resolution

- Approval of Resolution to Amend Tri-County Joint Agreement, Article IX, Section 2, Proportional Adjustment

- Correspondence

- Resignation, Paul Prendergast, Bus Mechanic – Effective 12/15/24

- Thank You Note, St. Francis CARE Donation

- Notes of Congratulations on The Point Magazine

Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Amanda Pangrazio recognized guests and visitors who were present.

Public Comments:

Becky Borowitz – discussed the IEA results for the Red for Ed Campaign which highlighted concerns among teachers across the State which included: working outside of contractual work hours, spending their own money on supplies, increased workload, lack of pay and lack of respect.

Jennifer Musoiu – gave a shoutout to Jeff Alvey.

Suzanne Phillips – thanked the Board for making health insurance more affordable. She also spoke about her new role as a Special Ed Bus Driver and thanked the school for providing children with consistency and meeting their needs. She appreciates the support she receives.

END OF PUBLIC COMMENTS

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to approve the 2024 Tax Levy and PTELL Resolution. The District is levying $2,409,479 not including the bond and interest levy estimated to be $105,250 for a total levy of $2,514,729 for 2024. The District was not required to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing since the amount of taxes levied for 2024 does not exceed the taxes extended by more than 5%. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Sylvia Thoms made a motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to approve the Resolution to Abate General Obligation School Bonds. The debt payments on these bonds is to be paid with facility sales tax revenue rather than levying for property tax revenue (alternate revenue bonds). Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Amanda Pangrazio provided a review of the sessions attended during the Triple I Conference.

Amanda Pangrazio made the motion, seconded by Brent Pease to approve the PRESS Policies, October 2024, Issue 117 updates as presented. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

To align our special education policies within the Tri-County Joint Agreement, the administration recommends reviewing Policy 6:120.1 with approval expected at the January 2025 Board meeting.

Elizabeth Mackenbach made the motion, seconded by Amanda Pangrazio to approve the Resolution in Support of Illinois Vision 2030. IASA (Illinois Association of School Administrators) has continued the visioning process that began with Vision 2020 in 2012. This initiative aims to unite the education community and create an updated long-range plan for improving public education in Illinois. The Vision 2030 Executive Summary, Policy Brief and Board Resolution were posted for Board members to view. Votes were as follows: Elizabeth Mackenbach – yea; Amanda Pangrazio – yea; Courtney O’Dell – abstain; Brent Pease – yea; Sylvia Thoms – yea. Motion carried 4-0-1.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Brent Pease to employ the following individuals for the 2024-2025 School Year:

1. Chris White, EOC Aide (effective 1/6/2025)

2. Jeff Alvey, Bus Mechanic (effective immediately)

Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

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

1. Enrollment Figures (as of 12/13/24)

2. Kidz Klub Proposed Rate Increase - TABLED

3. Monthly Behavior Data/Suspension Report

4. Inclement Weather Procedures/Use of E-Learning Plan

5. Continuous School Improvement Update

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Brent Pease to enter into Executive Session at 7:34 p.m. to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, and matters of litigation. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to enter into Regular Session at 8:27 p.m. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Elizabeth Mackenbach made the motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to approve the minutes from the December 19, 2024 Executive Session. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

Admin Remarks – None

Board Remarks – School concerts were great! Love the festive and fun decorating around the school!

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion carried 5-0 with all voting yea.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CmuCgo6rYnv_V_LyPecJh8q2gyEZAWIy/view