Galesburg Reporter

Galesburg Community Unit School District No. 205 Board of Education Met Feb. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order/Roll Call

The Community Unit School District #205 Board of Education met in closed session prior to the regular meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order by President Cervantez. The roll was read and the following Members responded: Hunigan, Lyon, Cervantez, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (6) Absent: Phelps (1) Roll Call #1

Closed Session

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Hunigan to move to closed session.

On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #2

Following closed session, it was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Walters to move to open session. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #3

Recognition of Public Comments—None

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Monday, January 11, 2021, Regular Meeting

Tuesday, January 26, 2021, Closed Session

Tuesday, January 26, 2021, Special Meeting

B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Hunigan (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #4

Focus Area #1: Relevant Skills that Lead to Employability

A. Administrative Report on Curriculum

Mrs. Tiffany Springer, Director for Curriculum and Instruction, stated there was nothing to add to her board report.

B. Special Education Report

Dr. Dawn Michaud, Special Education Director, stated that there was nothing to add to her report.

Member Lyon asked about openings and Dr. Michaud stated that filling the positions would allow the District to not need to utilize online psych services.

C. Building Reports

Member Hunigan highlighted that he was thrilled to see the students that returned in hybrid, commenting on King and Steele board reports.

D. Enrollment Report—No questions were asked.

Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Building and Grounds Committee Report

Member Lyon presented current photos of the Galesburg High School campus and renovations at Northwoods Church which included rooms, offices and the auditorium. Member Walters discussed the auditorium and the band room and choir room expansions. Brian Archibald with Legat

Architects discussed the updates in the auditorium and additions of the band room and choir room.

Further discussion was had regarding the expanded parking lot and drive on the south end of the building.

B. Consider Approval of Line of Credit with F/M Bank for GAVC

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to approve the line of credit with F&M Bank as presented. Mrs. Jennifer Hamm, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, stated that last month the line of credit was discussed for the GAVC project. The final documents are being presented for approval with a 2.95% interest rate. Mrs. Hamm stated that the first payment would be due on March 15, 2021 and the loan obligation will be completed on February 15, 2031. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #5

C. Consider Approval of Asbestos Change Order Request for GHS Project

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented.

Mrs. Hamm stated that there was an additional change order for the asbestos removal. The first change order was for $6,160.00 for additional asbestos that was found on the first floor of Galesburg High School in the office area and the old Social Studies classrooms. The additional abatement was $34,400.00. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (6) Motion carried. #6

Focus Area #3: Responding to the Changing Needs of our Community

A. Update on Status of E-Learning and In-Person Learning

Dr. Asplund stated that since the special meeting the District has received clarification from First Student regarding bus drivers. First Student has informed the District that they do have enough drivers for the bus routes. The District is working on calling back food service staff and paraprofessionals. There will be a special meeting on Friday, February 12, 2021 to approve calling back those individuals. Dr. Asplund explained that there are still some pending items to work through with the GEA in regards to the return to full in person, which will take place on Thursday evening. Dr. Asplund clarified that at this point the plan is to still return to full in person on Monday, February 22, 2021. Dr. Asplund discussed the children staying remote while the District moves back to in person. Discussion ensued.

B. Consider Approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar (First Reading)

It was moved by Member Hunigan and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented.

Dr. Asplund stated that the calendar committee met twice to discuss next school years calendar. Each building has representation and then took template back to their buildings. The calendar being presented for approval will start school with an institute on August 25th, a spring break added in and ending the year before Memorial Day. The calendar will be brought back for approval in March.

Dr. Asplund stated that for the 2023-2024 school year the board might want to look more closely at a balanced calendar and school year since all buildings will be temperature controlled.

C. Report on Negotiations

Member Lyon stated that the teams have now been meeting for ten months and no contract has been agreed upon at this point. Since the last Board meeting the teams have met twice, one of those being a Saturday for seven hours. As a result, the Board decided to file a request of mediation due to the lack of measurable movement. The Board opted to continue to keep meeting prior to assistance from mediation.

Personnel

A. Consider Approval of Personnel Report

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve the personnel report as amended. On roll call the following Members Voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #7

B. Grievance Update

Dr. Asplund stated that there are currently none.

C. Report on FOIA Requests

Dr. Asplund stated that there were two FOIA requests from Foley and Mansfield and Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

Board of Education Comments

Comments were made by Members Walters, Hunigan, Lyon and Cervantez.

Future Agenda Items—None

Adjournment

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Walters that the regular meeting be adjourned—8:12PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

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