McLean County Times

McLean County Unit School District 5 Board of Education met Dec. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A McLean County Unit District No. 5 Board of Education meeting was held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Normal West High School, 501 N Parkside Rd, Normal, IL 61761.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Members present: Mark Adams, Kentrica Coleman, Stan Gozur, Kelly Pyle, Amy Roser, Jeremy DeHaai, Members absent: Alex Williams

2. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - 5:45 PM

At 5:45 Coleman moved and Pyle seconded to adjourn to closed session to discuss the following matter according to the exceptions provided in the Open Meetings Act and specified as follows:

•2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai, Nays: None. Absent: Williams

3. RECESS

At 6:25 p.m the Board recessed to public session

4. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:36 p.m.Coleman moved and Adams seconded to return to public session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai. Nays: None Absent: Williams Motion carried.

Also present: Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Lamboley, Chief Financial Officer Martin Hickman, Attorney for the District M. Curt Richardson, Director of Human Resources Heather Rogers, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Kristal Shelvin, Executive Director of Operations Joe Adelman, Director of Facilities Tommy Rockwell, Director of Safety and Security Shane Hill, Director of Assessment and Accountability Darrin Cooper, Director of Secondary Education Deidre Ripka, and Substitute Clerk of the Board Sandy Kohlhase.

5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6. FOCUS ON STUDENTS AND GOOD NEWS REPORTS

A Kingsley Junior High School 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team - Elisa Palmer and Sylvester Davis

Presentation of the Kingsley Junior High School Girls Basketball Team who has won the State Championship the last two years. They have finished with a 58 and 0 record. She Introduced Steve Wood, Roger Nalewajka, and Rebert Harris. All of the girls received a medal from Unit 5. Steve Wood thanked School administration, coaches, and Brett Papoccia. He introduced all the girls. Jeremy asked family members and other support people to stand and be recognized,

B Prairieland Good News Report

Scott Peters presented the LBS1's attending the meeting: Lacey Beoletto, Ashley Miller, Bri Ortiz, and Jodi Copass. Not attending were Kaylee Callahan, Staci Mandros, and Susie Perkins. Wanted to point out the work ethic of this group and did more than was asked to help with a seamless transition through the first half of the year. They are a great group of problem solvers. They communicate daily with each other so there are no gaps in learning. They are caring and passionate about their jobs. Jeremy asked family members and other support people to stand and be recognized,

C Unit 5 Energy Star Awards - Tommy Rockwell presented Scott Peters with the Energy Star Award for Prairieland Elementary. He thanked Prairieland Staff for their patience during the changes. Jeremy thanked Tommy and is appreciative of all he does.

D Unit 5 Website Good News Report

Dayna presented the Unit 5 Website renovation project. She thanked all administration and especially Amber O'Day for all the help to get this project completed.

E RISE Award - Claye Vogelsang

Dayna Brown presented Claye Vogelsang. Last week the Illinois State Board of Education and Governor JB Priztger announced two exceptional classified school employees; one of them who works in Unit 5. He is Illinois' nominee for the 2025 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Rise Award. This is a national recognition program that honors extraordinary classified school employees for their outstanding contributions to their school communities. He is a family support coordinator in Unit 5. The State Superintendent, Tony Sanders, recorded a message for Claye. Dr. Shelvin was at an ISBE meeting where everyone knew about Claye. Claye said it was an honor to accept this nomination but it is a district wide nomination. There are countless people who make this program what it is. Thank you.

7. ACTION

Appoint a Secretary Pro Tempore according to Board Policy 2.110; when the Secretary is absent from a meeting, the Board appoints a Secretary Pro Tempore to fulfill the Secretary's duties for that meeting.

Coleman moved to appoint a Secretary Pro Tempore for the Meeting. Adams seconded it. Kelly Pyle is the Secretary Pro Tempore appointed.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai. Nays: None Absent: Williams Motion carried.

8. PUBLIC HEARING

Public Truth in Taxation Hearing on Proposed Tax Levy for 2024.

Jeremy called to order the Public Truth in Taxation Hearing on the Proposed Tax Levy for 2024 on December 18 at 6:55 pm. Roll Call:

Members present: Mark Adams, Kentrica Coleman, Stan Gozur, Kelly Pyle, Amy Roser, Jeremy DeHaai, Members Absent: Alex Williams

This is now a public hearing whose purpose is to provide the Public Truth in Taxation Hearing on the Proposed Tax Levy for 2024 and allow for public comment regarding the hearing. He asked three times if there were any public comments. There were none. Mary Hickman gave a short presentation on the Tax Levy 2024. This is attached to the agenda. Board members gave comments on the Tax Levy and presentation.

Coleman made a motion to close the public hearing. Pyle seconded the motion.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai. Nays: None. Absent: Williams

9. SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS

A. Visit to Fox Creek Elementary School. Watch collaboration between grades of students.

B. During this time there are lots of music programs. Dr. Weikle is so impressed with the talent we have in the school district.

C. Talked about the Tax Levy 2024.

D. Talked about the Countywide Facilities Sale Tax and how the Board will be asked to consider a resolution that would authorize the placement of a question on the April, 2025 ballot.

E. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season. Thank you to families and community members who support Unit 5.

10. PUBLIC COMMENTS -

No one signed up for Public Comments

11. REPORTS

Curt Richardson presented and asked for any feedback by Friday, December 20, 2025.

A. 1st Reading of Board Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits

1. Section 2: Board of Education

a. Ethics and Gift Ban

2. Section 4: Operational Services

a. Administrative Procedure - School Threat Assessment Teams

Section 5: Personnel

1. General Personnel - Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

b. General Personnel - Personnel Records

c. Exhibit - Employee Request Form for Personnel Records (NEW)

d. Professional Personnel - Maintaining Student Discipline

Section 6: Instruction

a. Using Animals in the Educational Program

b. Administrative Procedure - Dissection of Animals

c. Exhibit - Guidelines and Application for Using Animals in School Facilities for Educational Purposes

5. Section 7: Students

a. Search and Seizure

b. Exhibit - Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act

c. Administrative Procedure - Student Discipline Guidelines

d. Administrative Procedure - Student Re-Engagement Guidelines

e. Suspension Procedures

f. Administrative Procedure - School Student Records

F. Requests for Information Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act Curt Richardson reported on the FOIA requests

G. Field Trips/Overnight Trips -

Dr. Weikle reported on the Overnight Trips requested.

H. Illinois Vision 2030

Dr. Weikle gave a presentation regarding the initiative Illinois Vision 2030 and the request by the state for school boards to support this resolution.

12. ACTION

A. Adopt Resolution for Levying Taxes and Authorizing Certificate of Tax Levy for 2024. Coleman moved and Roser seconded the motion to adopt the Resolution for Levying Taxes and Authorizing Certificate of Tax Levy for 2024.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai. Nays: None Absent: Williams

Motion carried.

B. Adopt Resolution Requesting the ROE to Certify a Question Regarding the County School Facility Occupation Tax for the Consolidated Election in April.

Coleman moved and Roser seconded the motion to adopt the Resolution Requesting the ROE to Certify a Question Regarding the County School Facility Occupation Tax for the Consolidated Election in April.

Dr. Weikle gave a short presentation for discussion.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai, Nays: None Absent: Williams

Motion carried.

C. Adopt Resolution Urging the Illinois General Assembly to Approve the Necessary Legislative Changes to Implement the Recommendations Under the Three Pillars of Education Improvement as Contained in the Illinois Vision 2030 Policy.

Pyle moved to Table the Adoption of this resolution until the Board has the opportunity to review the Vision 2030 more comprehensively. Gozur seconded the motion. Discussion followed.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle. Nays: Roser, DeHaai. Absent: Williams Motion carried.

13. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes

Minutes are not released for public viewing until approved by the Board of Education

1. 11.20.24 Closed Session Minutes

2. 12.03.24 Closed Special Session Minutes

3. 11.20.24 Regular Minutes

B. Personnel Matters

C. Payment of Bills and Payrolls

D. Approve Finance Department Reports

1. Financial Statements for October 2024

2. Hudson Student Activity Fund Establishment

3. Hudson Student Activity Fund Dissolution

E. Approval of Insurance Renewals for Property/General Liability, School Board Liability, Auto

F. Approve Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, and Exhibits

1. Section 2: Board of Education

a. Board Member Development

b. Immediately Available District Public Records and Web-Posted Reports and Records (revised 11-20-24)

2. Section 3: General School Administration

a. Reporting Requirements for Building Principals Concerning School Safety and Security

3. Section 4: Operational Services

a. Comprehensive Safety and Security Program

b. Safety

c. Revenue and Investments

d. Purchases and Contracts

4. Section 5: Personnel

a. Fair Labor Standards Act Exemptions

b. Equal Employment Opportunity

c. Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct

d. Workplace Harassment Prohibited

e. Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

5. Section 6: Instruction

a. Accelerated Placement Program Procedures

b. Remote and/or Blended Remote Learning Day Plan(s)

c. Comprehensive Health Education Program

d. Accelerated Placement Program

e. Guidance and Counseling Program

f. Curriculum Content

6. Section 7: Students

a. Use of Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint

b. Equal Educational Opportunities

c. Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students

d. Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

G. Approve 48 Month Lease With Clayton Holdings, LLC For Two (2) T380AMR Scrubbers & Six (6) I-Mops

Coleman moved to accept the Consent Agenda as Presented. Adams seconded the motion. Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, DeHaai. Absent: Williams

Motion carried.

14. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS

Gozur - No Finance Meeting. Did have a Teacher Advisory meeting. That meeting was more about educating committee members. He wishes everyone a safe and relaxing holiday. Pyle - Board Policy Committee met in early December. Wanted to again congratulate Claye and all of the others involved in the Good News Reports. Wish everyone a wonderful break.

Coleman - Had an IASB training with the cabinet and board. Wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season

Roser - Attended a Regional Planning Commission Meeting. Provided a letter of recognition for a Beyond the Books application. Spoke of how wonderful the Beyond the Books Grant Program is. Wanted everyone to remember those who may not participate in the holidays like others. She wants everyone to enjoy the break.

Adams - Unit 5 Foundation lunch is February 6th at Prairieland. He thanked everyone for the opportunity to attend the Conference in Chicago. PTAC met on November 25. Enjoyed the IASB training and the opportunity to build rapport. Next facilities meeting is on Friday. Congratulations to Kingsley Cougars. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Shared the same sentiments from Alex who was not present at the meeting.

DeHaai - Appreciated all the Good News Reports. It's great that we had so many. Had a great session in December during the IASB meeting. There is a facility meeting on Friday. Wishing everyone a nice break and good holiday.

15. ADJOURNMENT - Meeting adjourned at 8:21

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