The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Union School Board Decides Against Wrestling At May Meeting

The Union Board of Education, discussed allowing a wrestling program at the high school this fall but did not approve the measure.

After each Board member was polled on his/her feelings about a wrestling program, at this time, each member felt the District did not have the funds for a wrestling program.

Members of Union Board, District #115, met at 6:00 p.m. on May 26, 2004, in the Library, Biggsville.

Board members present were Allaman, Bigger, Kage, Parsons, Sams, and Beth Weber. Todd Miller was absent.

Kevin Byers, representing the Advisory Council, reported that Laurey Gray, Becky Hart, Nanci Sterett, and John Zielkie will replace outgoing members.

Tony Ryan, Union Elementary Principal, reported:

a)The state track qualifiers had an excellent performance.

b)Junior High Academic Awards night was a success.

c)Junior High Extra-Curricular Awards night had a good showing.

d) 8th Grade Promotion was impressive.

e) The Home Town Hero Award was awarded to Melissa Wallace.

f) There were many Golden Apples the final few weeks of school.

g) Local EMS providers offered our primary wing demonstration of their equipment during National EMS Week.

h) The Primary Wing Math Committee will meet to review and revise curriculum.

i) Field Days were a success and the students had a great time.

Karen Rima, Union High School Principal reported:

a) Graduation went very well and was well attended.

b) The teachers have been checking out.

c) Plans are in progress for the Freshman Jump Start Program.

d) Plans are progressing on the Summer School Program.

Congratulation to the girl's 4 x 100 relay team of Amber Mann, Katelyn Miller, Luci Lox, and Elisha Ator. They placed 30th at the IESA State Meet.

Congratulation to Tyler Link, who placed 20th at the IESA State track meet in the long jump.

It was suggested that more handicap parking spots be made available at next year's graduation.

After discussion the Board approved that following by consent:

a) Minutes of the April 21 and May 5, 2004 meetings

b) The revised Board Calender.

c) The Financial Report.

d) Renewal of the annual contract with Larry Lawson, the certified operator of the sewer plant.

Plans for summer school in the Elementary School are being finalized.

After discussion, the Board approved the Athletic/Extra-Curricular Policy as revised for the 2004/2005 school year.

After discussion, the Board

• approved the Union High School Handbook as revised for the 2004/2005 school year.
• adopted the proposed Ethics Policy as prepared by the Districts's Attorney.
• approved the summer work projects that were highlighted on the spreadsheet that was presented to them.
• received information on the grants that the District is awarded.
• received information on the age and condition of the bus fleet and the balance in the Transportation Fund. authorized the Superintendent to shop around for good used busses. Parsons and Bigger volunteered to serve on the transportation committee to advise the Superintendent as needed.

Dean E. Irlbeck, Superintendent reported:

a) Information on legislation.

b) Necessary repairs, including several plumbing repairs.

After discussion, the Board

• approved the bills and payroll as submitted.
• approved the temporary transfer of $10,000.00 from Working Cash to the Operation and Maintenance Fund and the transfer of $77,000.00 from Working Cash to the Education Fund as temporary loans with repayment of the loans to be made when sufficient funds are available.
• approved official resolutions for the issuance of six tax anticipation warrants on the Education Fund in the total amount of $300,000.00 for the purpose of maintaining cash flow and payment of bills and payroll.

Further moved, for the issuance of four tax anticipation warrants on the Operations and Maintenance Fund in the total amount of $100,000.00.

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 reimbusemnets due to the District.

Warrants are to be issued through the Midwest Bank of Western Illinois.

The Board entered into Closed Session at 10:30 p.m. for discussion of personnel, resignations, and employment.

The Board returned to Open Session at 10:55 p.m.

The Board accepted the resignations of the following:

a) Loretta Anders, effective at the end of the 2003/2004 school year.

b) Linda Wilson, effective at the end of the 2003/2004 school year.

c) Jake Miller, effective at the end of the 2003/2004 school year.

d) Barb Lathrop, effective May 31, 2004.

The Board employed Jeremy Burrell as Union High School social studies teacher for the 2004/2005 school year.

The Board employed Deb Lescallett as a Pre-K teacher for the 2004/2005 school year.

The Board employed Nancy Russel Gapen as the Food Accounting Clerk.

The Board employed Nancy Clark as District Treasurer for the remainder of the 2003/2004 fiscal year and for the 2004/2005 fiscal year.

The Union School Board adjourned their meeting at 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on

Wednesday, June 23, 2004.

The public is invited to attend all meetings. They are held at the Library, Biggsville.