Olympia Community Unit School District 16 Board met April 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
The Olympia Board of Education of the Olympia CUSD #16 was called to order by President Kevin Frazier for a regular scheduled meeting at 7:03 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2020 in the Conference Room of the Olympia Administration Office with the following Board members and Administrators present: Kevin Frazier, Carolyn Hansen, Steve Matter, & Shawn Hohulin; Superintendent Dr. Andrew S. Wise and Assistant Superintendent Laura O’Donnell.
NOTE: Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the following Board members & Administrators attended virtually from their homes: Doug Maris, Lynn Cross, & Mary Springer; OHMS Activities Director Mike Castleman, Olympia West Elementary Principal Lisa Castleman, Director of Student Services Andy Walsh, and Instructional Technology Director Sean Mullins.
Also attending virtually was Becky Meissner, Olympia Education Association representative.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Frazier.
Approval of Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Carolyn Hansen, seconded by Shawn Hohulin, to approve the Consent Agenda that included:
A.Approval of Agenda
B.Approval of Minutes, including Executive Session Minutes, from the March 9, 2020 regular scheduled Board of Education Meeting
C.Approval of Bills & Financial Reports
D.Approval of the following resignations:
1.Angie Edwards – 3rd grade Teacher at Olympia West Elementary, effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year
2.Doug Yoder – OHS Boys’ Head Basketball Coach, effective March 6, 2020
3.Pete Cleary – OHS Head Wrestling Coach, effective March 13, 2020
4.Cade Fulling – Fall Strength & Conditioning Coach, effective March 16, 2020
5.Cynthia Scott – OMS 7th grade Volleyball Coach, effective at the end of the 2019-2020 season
6.Kim Logsdon – OHS Activities Secretary, effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year
7.Joe Gaither – Courier/Warehouse Manager, effective June 30, 2020
8.Donna Waters – Cafeteria Manager at Olympia North Elementary, effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year
9.Justin Danyus – OHS Assistant Football Coach, effective March 31, 2020
E.Approval of the employment of the following Licensed Teachers, effective for the 2020-2021 school year:
1.Brianna Tresemer – 5th grade at Olympia South Elementary
2.Kim Logsdon – OHS Business
3.Britta Langley – OHMS Career Coordinator/Business
F.Approval of the employment of Michelle Olson as OHMS Activities Secretary, effective for the 2020-2021 school year
G.Approval of the employment of the following Extra-Curricular Coaches, effective for the 2020-2021 seasons:
1.Josh Collins & Justin Collins – OHS Co-Head Wrestling Coaches
2.Tom Garriott – OHS Head Basketball Coach
H.Approval of the employment of the following Administrators:
1.Joe Gaither – Director of Transportation, effective July 1, 2020
2.Donna Waters – Food Services Manager, effective for the 2020-2021 school year
I.Approval of the updated Risk Management Plan
J.Approval of the renewal of a Sports Medicine Services Agreement with Hopedale Medical Complex effective for the 2020-2021 school year
K.Approval of the annual renewal of IESA membership effective for the 2020-2021 school year
Discussion. Vote: Hansen (aye), Hohulin (aye), Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Cross (aye), Springer (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 7-0.
Communications
There were no Communications.
Administrative Committee Reports
There were no Administrative Committee Reports.
Administrative Reports
Building Principal Reports were shared.
Assistant Superintendent Laura O’Donnell shared that all teachers have been busy creating online plans for students which will ensure continuity and consistency. They are also maximizing all available tools to stay connected to their students. Mrs. O’Donnell noted that the creativity and collaborative nature of the teachers has been most impressive.
Mrs. O’Donnell also shared that even though the District had devices for each student, some families did not have internet services. She commended the Technology department for assisting with the provision of “hot spots” to families in need of internet service. Almost all Olympia families now have internet services, either their own or District-provided. Those remaining families will receive District-provided “hot spots” as soon as they are available. Superintendent Dr. Andrew Wise noted that the District could possibly receive reimbursement for the purchased “hot spots” as a result of federal CARES legislation related to the COVID closure.
Mrs. O’Donnell provided Board members with a Remote Learning Plan which included guidelines and protocols for both students and staff during the Remote Learning Days. She pointed out that focus on essential skills prevailed throughout the Plan. Dr. Wise thanked the teachers for their hard work executing the new Remote Learning Plan. He also shared that overall, feedback has been very positive.
Mrs. O’Donnell announced that the scheduled PreK screenings are still happening the first week of May, unless the government shut-down of schools is extended into May. If the shut-down is extended, alternative summer dates will be scheduled. Mrs. O’Donnell noted that all PreK programs continue to be full with waiting lists at all locations. An application for the Preschool for All Grant has been submitted.
Mrs. O’Donnell shared that the College Board has provided new information regarding AP exams for high school students. High school students will have the option of taking the exam or opting out due to the mandated closures. All exams will be condensed to a 45-minute online exam. Mrs. O’Donnell noted that OHS Counselor Alex Castillo has already reached out to the District’s AP students to ensure they know the testing options. Even though the testing is now optional, Mrs. O’Donnell noted that students are being encouraged to take the exam.
Lastly, Mrs. O’Donnell shared that the District’s Special Education needs continue to diversify. She recommended that based on current Special Education students, their academic and social/emotional needs, an additional Special Education teacher be provided to support those students whose needs cannot be met by being solely in a general classroom setting.
Superintendent Andrew Wise provided Board members with a Covid-19 operational update. He commended the Administrative team and all staff members for stepping up and demonstrating true Spartan Skills during the pandemic. Dr. Wise complimented teachers for demonstrating a growth mindset, risk-taking, flexibility, positivity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic in response to COVID. He also shared that he was proud of the way students have responded to the new online learning format. Dr. Wise will continue to keep all Olympia families, students & staff members updated with the latest State guidelines, recommendations & mandates.
Dr. Wise informed Board members that revenue from county tax dollars would be late, but commended McLean County for doing everything possible to get tax dollars to schools in a timely fashion. With delayed receipts at the local, State, and federal level anticipated, Dr. Wise recommended a Working Cash transfer to the Education Fund to help fulfill salary expenses during the shut-down. Dr. Wise noted that law permits transfers between the Working Cash, Education, Transportation, & Operations funds via resolution. He thanked the Board for making wise financial decisions which has resulted in strong balances. The fund balance built allows the District to take care of its employees and communities during times of crisis.
Dr. Wise and Mrs. O’Donnell also commended each department for their efforts to take care of students & families during the COVID shut-down. Director of Student Services Andy Walsh, Instructional Technology Director Sean Mullins, and Network Technology Director Joe Salzer have ensured that students have devices with connectivity. Whether it be through connecting the family with an internet provider; delivering the family a “hot spot”; strategically parking a Wi-Fi enabled bus in their location; helping them with their home “set up”; or providing an upgraded device for learning, the department has gone above and beyond to ensure students can learn remotely. Also, they commended the Food Service & Transportation Departments for preparing & delivering meals, and other necessary items throughout the COVID shut-down of schools.
Dr. Wise and the Board discussed the rest of the 2019-2020 school calendar. At this time, the Governor will allow students & employees to physically return to school buildings in May, however, the Governor shared that schools could be closed longer, if necessary. Olympia will be ready for students as soon as they are allowed to physically return to the school buildings, but are also planning on the closure extending through May. Regardless of when students are allowed back inside school buildings, the District does not plan on going beyond the last emergency day in the calendar, which is May 27. Without using any emergency days, students’ last day would by May 19. Dr. Wise shared that within the next 3 weeks, the District should know whether or not the shut-down will be extended, which will drive final decisions on the school calendar. The final school calendar will go to the Board for approval at the May Board meeting.
Lastly, Dr. Wise also shared the 2020 Summer Project list. He commended Maintenance Director Scott Thornton & his department for keeping up with the needs of the buildings during this pandemic and for the extra work they are completing during the shut-down.
Other Business
In other business, Board members made note of the many positive things that the Olympia District is doing during the shut-down. This included not only the outreach from teachers & Administrators, but the enormous impact being made by Director Walsh & his team for preparing & delivering meals to the Olympia families.
Director Walsh shared that when a Bus Aide had gone to the door of an Olympia home to deliver meals, she could smell natural gas coming from the residence. She reported this to Mr. Walsh, who in turn alerted the authorities. The local Fire Department responded and was able to find a leak pumping natural gas into the home.
Carolyn Hansen shared that she had spoken to a Bus Driver who stated that she was so thankful for the District’s support during the shut-down, and was also very appreciative of Mr. Walsh’s encouragement.
Action Item
A motion was made by Carolyn Hansen, seconded by Steve Matter, to approve the Resolution to transfer $2,500,000 from Working Cash to the Education Fund.
Discussion. Vote: Hansen (aye), Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Hohulin (aye), Cross (aye), Springer (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 7-0.
Opportunity for Public Input
There was no Public Input.
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Shawn Hohulin, seconded by Kevin Frazier, to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
There was no Executive Session.
http://olympiail.apptegy.us/o/district/browse/102512
Alerts Sign-up