The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In March 19, 2003 board action of Union Community Unit School District #115, Henderson County, members voted in a second voting to rehire Principal Pat Collins another school year.
The board met at 6:30 p.m. in the Library, Biggsville with Allaman, Bigger, Miller, Parsons, Reaves, Sams, and Weber present.
The Board entered into Closed Session at 6:31 p.m. for discussion of resignations, personnel, employment, amendment of Superintendent's contract and high school principal's contract.
After nearly two hours, the Board returned to Open Session at 8:22 p.m.
It was moved by Sams, seconded by Weber, that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing notice to remedy to a certified employee, as discussed in Executive Session. Voting in favor of the motion were Weber, Miller, Sams, Allaman, Reaves, and Bigger. Parsons was opposed.
It was moved by Reaves and seconded by Miller, that Patricia Collins be employed as Union High School Principal through June 30, 2004, subject to tonight's action. Voting in favor of the motion were Allaman, Wever, Miller, Reaves, Sams, and Bigger. Parsons was opposed.
The Board accepted the resignation of Mike Hurley, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year.
The Board accepted the resignation of Barbara Spreitler, effective at the end of the 2002/2003 school year, according to the agreements specified.
The Board employed Barry Cisna as Computer Technician for the District effective July 1, 2003.
The Board employed Todd Anderson as Assistant Football Coach.
The Board employed Dwayne Hale as Head Softball Coach for the 2003 season.
The Board employed Jess Amos as Union High School Math Teacher for the 2003/2004 school year.
The Board employed the following. For second year employment: Tara Abel, Todd Anderson, Sherrill Leath, Laura Lewis, Pat Lynch, Jake Miller, Cathy Smith, Lisa Stevenson, John Vandenberg, and Jeff Wilson. For third year employment: Amanda Hennenfent, Deb Lescallett, Brenda Nelson, Jill Patterson, and Julie Ricketts. For fourth year employment: Karen Doyle, Marlo Ross, Mike Schulte, and Kathryn Withenbury.
The Board granted tenure to the following teachers, effective at the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year: Jane Alexander, Nancy Chandler, Erin Crawford, and Tammy Slater.
The Board approved the proposed amendment to Section 9 of the Superintendent's contract regarding vacation and sick leave. (The contract language will state: "Personal days and vacation days remaining unused at the end of the fiscal year will be credited toward accumulated sick leave, except that the Board may grant approval in writing for the carryover of not more than two weeks to be used before September 1. Any such carryover request must be granted before June 30 of the fiscal year in which the leave was granted.")
Board member Doug Sams read a prepared statement.
Board member Joe Bigger read a prepared statement.
Melissa Wallace, PTC officer reported to the Board that the Spring Carnival that was held recently was a huge success. They will purchase a die-cast machine for the staff.
Melissa Wallace, Advisory Council member, reported on the minutes of the last Advisory Council meeting.
Tony Ryan, Union Elementary Principal, reported on matters relating to Union Elementary School including the following:
a) Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on March 27th and 28th.
b) IESA Solo & Ensemble Contest will be hosted by Union.
c) Dates of upcoming events.
d) The Quality Assurance Team continues to develop/improve/make identifications to the School Improvement Plan.
Patricia Collins, Union High School Principal, reported on matters relating to Union High School including the following:
a) Math Club standings.
b) The School Improvement Plan.
c) Computer problems have put behind printing of the report cards.
d) Students enjoyed Vocational Career Day.
e) The Fine Arts Extravaganza was a huge success.
f) A tornado drill was held on March 4th.
g) A recent LTC meeting.
h) Dates of upcoming events.
Commendations go to the PTC Committee for all the work they do for the District.
Congratulations to Kaila Gapen and Kelsey Olson. The received superior ratings on their research papers at the regional competition of the Illinois History Fair. Also, congratulations to Ashley Reaves and Amber Stewart for receiving a superior rating on their project at the regional competition of the Illinois History Fair. Rebecca Van Tine also earned a superior rating on her performance at this competition.
Congratulations to the following for their participation at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest. Elizabeth Ackermann, Kristin Whiteman, Nick White, Sarah Sells, Kaci Hurka, and Rachel Edwards all received superior ratings. Josh Stokes received an excellent rating.
Congratulations to Katie Wood. She received Honorable Mention Lincoln Trail All-Conference Girl's Basketball Team.
Congratulations to the following who were named to the Lincoln Trail Academic All-Conference Girls' Basketball Team: Katie Wood, Dana Hetrick, Ashley Reaves, Jessica Sanning, Amber Stewart, Shannon Van Tine, and Lene Lox.
The District received a letter from the Office of State Senator John Sullivan stating that the Governor has assured districts that the 23rd and 24th General State Aid payments will be made in June.
Linda Michael made a comment to the Board regarding their decision to reemploy the Union High School Principal.
Following a brief discussion of the matters on the consent agenda, the Board approved the following by consent:
a) Minutes from the meetings held on February 19, 2003, February 21, 2003, February 24, 2003, and March 5, 2003.
b) The revised Board calendar.
c) The financial reports.
The Bond refinancing/restructuring is moving forward.
Summer works projects will be presented at the April meeting.
The Life Safety Inspection was held recently. More details will be made available at a future meeting.
The Board employed Cavanaugh, Davies, Blackman, & Cramblet as the District's auditors for the 2002-2003 school year.
Dean E. Irlbeck, Superintendent, reported to the Board on several items including the following:
a) All fire extinguishers have been tested and are up to date.
b) Health insurance will go up approximately 15%.
Action on the calendar amendment was moved to the March 31, 2003 meeting.
The Consolidation Committee met recently. They are in the process of organizing several question and answer meetings.
The Board approved the bills and payroll as submitted.
The Board approved official resolutions for the issuance of tax anticipation warrants on the Education Fund in the total amount of $200,000.00 for the purpose of maintaining cash flow and payment of bills. Further moved, that the president of the Board, the Board Secretary, and the District Treasurer be authorized to execute all necessary documents for the issuance of said warrants. As in past years, each of the individual warrants would be used only if required to maintain cash flow, and not all warrants would be used unless absolutely required because of delays in receiving other receipts and reimbursements due to the District. Said warrants are to be issued through the Midwest Bank of Western Illinois.
The Board approved the transfer of $35,000.00 from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund and $22,000 from the Transportation Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund as temporary loans with repayment of the loans to be made when sufficient funds are available.
The Board entered into Closed Session at 9:26 p.m. for consideration of potential litigation.
The Board returned to Open Session at 10:06 p.m.
The Board adjourned at 10:07 p.m. until March 31, 2003.