Galesburg Reporter

Galesburg Community Unit School District No. 205 Board of Education met Dec. 12.

Here are 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, December 12, 2022 at 6:30 PM at 932 Harrison St., Galesburg, IL. The roll was read and the following Members responded: Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Scherpe, Rodriguez (7) Roll Call #1

Closed Session

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to move to closed session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of an employee(s), negotiations and pending litigation. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #2

Following closed session, it was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Rodriguez to move to open session. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Boettcher, Bess-Tabb (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #3

Truth in Taxation Hearing

President Scherpe called the hearing to order. On roll call all Members were present. Mrs. Hamm detailed the reason for the hearing and President Scherpe asked if there were any public comments. None were made and the hearing was closed.

Roll Call

President Scherpe called the regular meeting to order. On roll call the following Members were present: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Boettcher, Bess-Tabb, Cervantez and Lyon.

Moment of Silence/Pledge of Allegiance

A moment of silence was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Visitors

Mr. Jim Jacobs and Mayor Peter Schwartzman addressed the Board.

Presentations to the Board

A. Student Council representative, Bridget Leahy updated the Board on events Student Council is coordinating at Galesburg Senior High School.

B. The solar project update was postponed for the January meeting due to Dr. Asplund’s absence.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Monday, November 14, 2022, Special Meeting

Monday, November 14, 2022, Regular Meeting

B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims

Balance Sheet

Treasurer’s Report

Fund Balance Report

Revenue Report

Expense Report

Investment Performance Report

Accounts Payable

Check Register

Activity Accounts

Health Insurance Trust Fund Balance

C. Enrollment/Registration Report

It was moved by Member Cervantez and seconded by Member Bess-Tabb to approve the consent agenda as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Lyon, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #4

FOCUS AREA #1: Relevant Skills that Lead to Employability

A. Building Reports—President Scherpe requested attendance on the reports be more uniform. Member Rodriguez stated she would like to see the month of and year to date attendance for each building.

B. Special Education Report—Mrs. Statham stated that the Behavior Intervention Policies will be on the agenda for approval in January. The policy is an annual item for approval. Member Cervantez asked questions about the behavior portions and staff updates.

C. Student and Staff Supports Report—Discipline data will be shared at the January meeting.

FOCUS AREA #2: Facilities that Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report

Member Lyon stated that the only construction currently taking place is at the 940 building. Central office has moved to the 940 building and the hope is to hold the January board meeting there. The preschool side is still under construction. In February the committee will plan to bring summer projects forward. Member Cervantez asked why the wrestling team is using the old Churchill wrestling mats. Mr. Tom Hawkins, Principal at Galesburg Senior High School stated that they aren’t using old junior high mats. He stated that they purchased new mats for wrestling.

FOCUS AREA #3: Responding to the Changing Needs of our Community A. Consider Approval of PRESS Policies (First Reading)

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Cervantez to approve as presented. The policies will return for second reading in January. The following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Scherpe, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #5

B. Consider Approval of Copy Paper Bid

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that the winning bid came in but it is not recommended to go with the low bid because they did not send a sample with their bid. It is about a 26% increase on paper prices from last year. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Cervantez, Bess Tabb, Boettcher, Phelps, Lyon, Scherpe (7) Motion carried. Roll call #6

C. Consider Approval of Silas Willard Paint Bid

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Phelps to approve ass presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that this is the second bid opening. Two bids were received and substantially higher than anticipated. Member Phelps stated that the Building and Grounds Committee is recommending to not accept the bids and to use the District’s custodial and maintenance staff to do the work over break and this summer. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: (0) NAY: Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (7) Motion failed. Roll Call #7

D. Discussion Regarding Potential EBF Changes and Impact

Mrs. Hamm explained evidenced based funding and how the changes affect the District and potential impact on the District going forward. Discussion ensued.

E. Consider Approval of Tax Levy

It was moved by Member Cervantez and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated there are no changes since reviewing last month. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

F. Consider Approval to Abate General Obligation School Bonds (Alternative Revenue Source)  Series 2014B $563,725.00

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Bess-Tabb to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that each year when the levy is approved the bonds must also be abated. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #9

G. Consider Approval to Abate General Obligation School Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source)  Series 2020B $982,600.00

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Bess-Tabb to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Bess-Tabb (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #10

PERSONNEL

A. Consider Approval of Job Description(s)

It was moved by Member Bess-Tabb and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll call#11

B. Consider Approval of Personnel Report

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #12

C. Grievance Update

Tabled due to Dr. Asplund’s absence.

D. Report on FOIA Requests—None

Comments by Board of Education

Comments were made by Member Phelps, Boettcher, Lyon, Scherpe, Rodriguez, Cervantez and Bess-Tabb.

Future Agenda Items—None

Adjournment

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Bess-Tabb that the meeting be adjourned—8:14PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Bess-Tabb, Boettcher, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #15

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1121/Galesburg_CUSD_205/2681541/minutes_December_12___2022.pdf