Galesburg Reporter

Abingdon-Avon Community Unified School District 276 Board of Education met May 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. The regular meeting of the Abingdon-Avon CUSD 276 Board of Education was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with Brooks presiding. The following members were present: Mason, Hess, Serven, Quinn, and Brooks. Mr. Craver and Mrs. Terwilliger were absent.

2. A motion was made by Mr. Serven and seconded by Mr. Hess to approve the Agenda. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

3. A motion was made by Mr. Quinn and seconded by Mr. Mason to approve the Consent Agenda. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

5. Principals Weedman, Andrews, and Anderson presented their monthly building-level Principal Reports.

5. Mrs. MacGregor presented the Curriculum Director monthly report.

6. Superintendent Curry presented the monthly Superintendent Report and discussed the following:

1. Financial Update: Dr. Curry noted that during his recent Advance Illinois Equity First Superintendents meeting and his small group meeting with Sen. Manar, the trend is looking like flat funding for 20-21. This would be an amount equal to what the State provided last year. He also noted the potential for cuts from the State if the revenues do not pick-up Statewide. He noted that reductions will most likely be made on a per-pupil basis and provided the following dollar amounts that are being discussed in the field: 

Reductions of $150M could result in $120/pupil reduction ($120,000 less for Atown) 

Reductions of $500M could result in $250/pupil reduction ($250,000 less for Atown) 

Reductions of $1B could result in $500/pupil reduction ($500,000 less for Atown) 

Reductions of $2B could result in $1K/pupil reduction ($IM less for Atown) 

Reductions of $3B could result in $1500/pupil reduction ($1.5M less for Atown) 

He reminded the Board that at this point - this is all hearsay and only time will tell the full picture. Additionally, Dr. Curry noted that the County-wide sales tax is substantially less. These receipts are distributed three months behind, so we will not know the extent of the decrease in receipts until June-July. 

2. Recognitions and Congratulations: Dr. Curry noted his appreciation for the efforts the teachers put forward during Emergency Remote Learning. 

3. Student Admission Costs - Dr. Curry noted that the Board had discussed that any A Town student with a current ID can enter sporting events free of charge. This is an action item tonight. 

4. District Planning Update - Dr. Curry noted that he met virtually with the District Improvement team this afternoon. Great conversations around what worked and what did not during the Emergency Remote Learning days. Additionally, he noted that the Board should consider replacing the AAMS roof. With reduced revenues on the horizon, the idea of pushing off the construction plans for joining the two Avon campus sites will most likely be pushed back several years. In the interim, the roof at AAMS is in disrepair and needs to be replaced. - Dr. Curry also noted that the upgrades to the rooms that were damaged by several years of differed maintenance is moving forward. The walls that have been removed will be replaced with mar-lite walls. 

5. ISBE Maintenance Grant Update – Dr. Curry noted that that three sets of doors have been installed. He noted that the grant was approved to include for other door replacements. He will add that work to the June meeting as an Action Item for approximately $16,000 - of which the district will be responsible for $8,000. 

6. Secure Classroom Latches – Dr. Curry noted that the staff and administration are in support of the secure classroom latches as an additional safety measure throughout the district. The cost would be approximately $35,000. He strongly recommended moving forward after several months of discussion. A segment of the Board requested a tabling of this item for another month. 

7. Coronavirus Update - Dr. Curry noted that he and area superintendents have been working on a number of scenarios that may or may not be implemented based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. He noted that he will be sharing the plan basics with the Board in June. 

8. AAEA MOU - Dr. Curry noted that this action item was omitted by accident last month and will just need approved tonight. 

9. CARES Act Update Dr. Curry noted that the district has been allotted up to $310,000 thousand in COVID-19 related expenses. This is a Federal grant and has stipulations. Using the prescribed stipulations, the district will focus purchases on technology for remote teaching and learning, hygiene and sanitizing, and summer food distribution. He hopes to have the budget approved by ISBE as soon as the grant opens. 

10. Tentative Amended Budget - Dr. Curry shared a tentative update on the amended budget and put the budget on public display today. The amended budget hearing will take place at 6:45 on Wednesday, June 17th. The budget is open for public inspection in the district office from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm at 507 N. Monroe St. in Abingdon. 

11. Graduation Update - Dr. Curry informed the Board of the graduation plans as of today. The district survey showed that the parents and students in the Class of 2020 want to hang on to the possibility of a traditional in-person graduation ceremony. Dr. Curry shared the 6 dates possible in June, July and August. He also shared that he is doubtful Illinois will be out of Phase 4 by this time. He noted that the district has invited families in to have a cap and gown photo with graduate and families. The HS has a community parade scheduled for May 17th at 2:00 pm. He also noted that families were very appreciative of the opportunities weare providing them and their graduates. 

12. First Reading of the following policies – 2:70E, 2:125, 2:160, 2:220E, 4:50, 5:20E, 5:60,5:150, 6:20, 6:135, 6:280, 7:70, 7:90, 7:130, 7:325, 8:10, 8:80, 8:110 

13. Administrative Contract Extension for Mr. Brad Weedman - Dr. Curry recommended a three-year extension for Principal Weedman.

7. A motion was made by Mr. Serven and seconded by Mr. Quinn to Approve the May Personnel Report. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

8. A motion was made by Mr. Mason and seconded by Mr. Hess to Approve the New Student Admissions Costs. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

9. A motion was made by Mr. Brooks and seconded by Mr. Hess to Table the Purchase of Secure Classroom Latches. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

10. A motion was made by Mr. Serven and seconded by Mr. Mason to Approve the FY 21 School Calendar. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

11. A motion was made by Mr. Quinn and seconded by Mr. Serven to Approve the AAEA MOU for Social Worker Contractual Obligations. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea;

Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

12. A motion was made by Mr. Hess and seconded by Mr. Mason to Approve the Administrative Contract Extension for Mr. Brad Weedman. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, present; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

13. A motion was made by Mr. Mason and seconded by Mr. Serven to Adjourn at 8:16 p.m. Roll call: Mason, yea; Hess, yea; Serven, yea; Quinn, yea; and Brooks, yea. Motion passed.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/757952/Board_Minutes_May_13__2020.pdf