Galesburg Reporter

Knoxville Community Unit School District #202 Board of Education met Aug. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District #202, Knox County, met in a regular meeting duly called and held August 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at 809 East Main Street, Knoxville, Illinois, which is within the boundaries of said District. The President called the meeting to order and directed that the roll be called. Upon roll being called, the following members were found to be present:

Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, and Mrs. Rose

And the following absent: Dr. Harshbarger, Mr. Stearns

Recognition of Visitors: Tom Schmidt, Pam Bernand, Jodi Keever, Megan Schaefer, Jenn Sprecher, Terrah Myers, Toby Myers, Matt Maaske, John Neubaum, Sarah Tessier, Michelle McClay, Debbie Wordon, Derek Powell, Renee Powell, Susan Emelander, Kelli Nelson

Also present were: Dr. Andrea Guerrero, Jenn Walter

Member Rebecca McCraken suggested member Duane Raterman as Vice President of the board. All members of the board voted yes.

It was moved by Member Scalf and seconded by Member Ratermann to approve the consent agenda as presented.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratterman, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Public Comments - Tom Schmidt spoke to the board regarding controversial issues within the buildings.

Superintendent Report - Dr. Guerrero discussed Engie requests and the change orders. She also discussed the review of the following policies regarding special and standing board committees, parent organizations and activity funds. Dr. Guerrero presented the tentative FY24 budget. She shared that the budget is not balanced but gave ideas how to remedy income and expenses. Dr. Guerrero discussed funds, AP classes, dual credits and fees. Safety & security drills are up to date and completed.

Discussion Items:

8.1 Dual Credit Fees - Dr. Guerrero shared that they are not pursuing dual credits at the time due to the cost.

8.2 Risk Management Plan - Dr. Guerrero shared the risk management plan with the board.

8.3 Knoxville High School Hall of Fame - First reading will take place in September to include them in the district policy.

8.4 Policy 6:80 Teaching about Controversial Issues - Per Dr. Guerrero the district opted out of this policy. Mr. Scalf motioned to amend the policy. Mrs. Rose is concerned about a radical change. Policy to create a procedure, create the procedure to put in the handbook and amend the handbook immediately.

It was moved by Member Ratermann and seconded by Member Scalf for approval of the Agreement for ENGIE to conduct a free audit and project development plan for KJSH & Mable Woosley.

AYE: Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: Mrs. McCracken

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member Scalf and seconded by Member McCracken for Approval to amend the Knoxville High School handbook.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young

NAY: Mrs. Rose

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member McCracken and seconded by Member Scalf for Approval of FY 24 Tentative Budget.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member McCracken and seconded by Member Ratermann to Table the Approval of the FY 24 Risk Assessment Plan.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member Ratermann and seconded by Member Young for Approval of FCCLA Field Trips.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member McCracken and seconded by Member Scalf for Approval to move the Regular September Board meeting from September 25 to Thursday September 28th at 6 p.m.

AYE: Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Ratermann, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Correspondence / Other Business

The building principals presented their building reports to the Board of Education.

It was moved by Member Ratermann and seconded by Member McCracken to go into Closed Session at 7:25 p.m. to discuss:

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. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

It was moved by Member Ratermann and seconded by Member McCracken to go back into Open Session at 8:12 p.m.

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Member McCracken and seconded by Member Scalf that the meeting be adjourned. The President put the question to the Board and the motion unanimously carried at the meeting was so adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2723/KCUSD/3611698/Aug_28__2023_Minutes.pdf