Galesburg Reporter

Knoxville Community Unit School District #202 Board of Education met Nov. 25

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 November 25, 2024 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:

Mr. Clayton, Dr. Harshbarger, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Scalf (Arrived at 6:20 pm), Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

Recognition of Visitors: Tom Hoehn, Megan Schaefer, Barb Thompson, Terrah Myers, Sarah Tessier, Joy Link, Mallory Tolley

Also present were: Dr. Guerrero, Jodi Grace, Kelli Nelson, Adam Mize, Michelle McClay

2. Public Comment

Mr. Tom Hoehn recognized that the last year and a half the school district has stabilized and has shown improvement. He hopes to see continued growth and progress.

3. Consent Agenda

President Rose removed Item# 3.3.3 KJHS Volleyball Coach due to no letter of recommendation for this vacancy and announced the names pertaining to the personnel agenda. Employment: KHS Custodian - Denny Peterson, KHS Volunteer Asst. Wrestling Coach - Tanner Warren, KHS Varsity Boys Basketball Coach - Terrance Dickerson, KHS Asst. Coach - Brian Simmert. 

Maternity Leave: Nurse Lenz. Retirement: Edward Weaver. Resignation: KHS Cheer Coach - Ashley Swank, KHS Paraprofessional - Michelle Fleisher, KHS Boys Basketball Coach - Josh Johnson, KHS Asst. Boys Basketball Coach - Tyler Houston

It was moved by Member Harshbarger and seconded by Member McCracken to approve the Consent Agenda - Meeting Minutes, Financials and Personnel with removal of Item# 3.3.3.

AYE: Dr. Harshbarger, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Clayton, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

4. Administration Reports 

4.1 President Report - The Committee of the Whole meeting that was held on November 18, 2024. The board members met to discuss the financial outlook for the district and Dr. Guerrero presented options for the tax levy. At the COTW meeting Jessica Johnston, a member of the superintendent finance committee, provided the board members with recommendations to improve the financial status of the district. President Rose and Member Ratermann attended the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. They were able to network with other districts and attend breakout sessions. President Rose encouraged the board members to attend professional development events. President Rose also recognized the KJHS October and November staff members who received the Outstanding Staff Award. October staff members included: Mrs. Batson, Mrs. Bowker, Mr. Brignall, Mrs. Cameron, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. Gorman, Mrs. Grohmann, Mr. Hambsch, Mrs. Ingle, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lawson, Ms. Lenz, Mrs. Lester, Mrs. Luper, Mrs. Marquith, Mrs. McGuire, Mr. Meyers, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Pogure. The November staff members included: Mrs. Basely, Mrs. Batson, Mrs. Bowker, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Lenz, Mrs. Luper, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Meyers, Ms. Rouse, Mrs. Shepherd and Mr. Sibbing. Lastly President Rose discussed the email she sent to the board members regarding the development of superintendent goals. The goals are a reflection of what was considered a priority from the district strategic plan. If there are no concerns or major issues President Rose will move forward with implementing the goals into the SuperEval program.

4.2 Superintendent Report - The first letters for Portrait of a Graduate have been mailed.

The guest list includes administrators, teachers, support staff, superintendent committee members, ILT team members, community members, community employers as well as students.

Dr. Guerrero went through some district goals and objectives. One highlight is the continuation of Character Strong. All three schools participated in the Battle of Schools Food Drive. Mable Woolsey won with a collection of 1,500 canned goods. KJHS came in second with 859 items and KHS with 570 items. The items collected will go to the Knoxville Council of Churches to help provide district Thanksgiving baskets. The district continues to maintain and improve AP and dual credit course offerings. The district extended the opportunity to grade 2-5 teachers to receive PD and be a part of the UConn study with the National Gifted Council. UConn will review the implementation of 6: 130 & 6: 135 Gifted and Advanced Placement. They will review student data and recommend placement. The University oflowa will facilitate the testing at no charge when a student is identified as gifted. The district has tentatively been selected for the 21st Century grant pending Merit Based Review. Allocations for the program have not been released yet from ISBE however we are starting the pre planning meetings with the ROE. The ROE will start to advertise for the coordinator position. Dr. Guerrero has completed the 2022-2023 Methods of Administration for Civil Rights Compliance. Lastly Dr. Guerrero provided the board members and guests with the tax levy presentation. This is the same presentation from the Committee of the Whole Meeting. The Levy Hearing is set for December 16, 2024 at 5:45 . The presentation and tax calculator is available on the district website. 

4.3 Principal Reports - All building principals provided the board with specific building reports. The reports included building goals, data, athletic records/recognitions and building projects.

5. New Business

It was moved by Member Young and Seconded by Member Harshbarger to Approve the first reading of Press Policy Review- Issue 117, Policies: 2:105, 2:210, 4:30, 4:60, 4:150, 4:170, 5:10, 5:20, 5:90, 5:120, 5:125, 5:230, 6:60, 6:135, 6:270, 7:10, 7:100, 7:200, 8:10.

AYE: Mrs. Young, Dr. Harshbarger, Mr. Clayton, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Scalf, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

It was moved by Member Scalf and seconded by Member McCracken the Approval of the Knoxville High School early graduates.

AYE: Mr. Scalf, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. Clayton, Dr. Harshbarger, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Rose

NAY: None

Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

6. Future Agenda/Discussion Items

None

7. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Member Harshbarger and seconded by Member McCracken that the meeting be adjourned. The President put the question to the Board and the motion was unanimously carried and the meeting was so adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2723/KCUSD/5123647/November_25__2024_-_Regular_Minutes.pdf