SCALES MOUND COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #211
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
October 21, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Scales Mound Community Unit School District #211 was held in the district library on Monday, October 21st at 6 pm.
President Paul Homb called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Staci Duerr called roll with the following members answering:
Paul Homb-Present
Peter Zito-Present Katie Meusel-Present Jim Stoewer-Present Staci Duerr-Present Jeff Bader-Present
Ashlee Miller-Present
Administration Present: Dr. Marybeth DeLaMar, Superintendent & Dr. Matt Wiederholt, Principal
Others Present for the Meeting: Jenny Blocker-Benning Group LLC and David Hoftender
Peter Zito moved to amend the agenda and move personnel items to closed session prior to approving. This was seconded by Jeff Bader. All present voted in favor.
Katie Meusel moved to approve the open and closed session minutes from the regular meeting on September 16, 2024, Budget Hearing minutes from meeting on September 16, 2024, approve bills, and payroll in the amount of $155,678.14, the Treasurer's report and other financial reports, FOIA report, and destruction of the closed session audio recording for February of 2023. This was seconded by Jim Stoewer. All present voted in favor.
Jenny Blocker of the Benning Group, LLC presented the audited financial statements for the year ended 6/30/24 for Scales Mound School. Scales Mound School once again receives the highest financial rate possible.
There was no Business Report at this time.
Dr. Wiederholt provided the Principal's Report and reported on the following items:
On 10/8/24 a Dangerous Intruder Drill and Fire Drill were completed with all students and staff.
A request was made from Benton School District and Shullsburg School District to use the tri-op Knights mascot for use during the baseball and softball season in 2024-2025. Scales Mound School appreciated being asked and saw no issue with this request. Senior Night for fall sports (football, volleyball, and golf) was held on Monday, October 21st to recognize those senior athletes as they completed their seasons in these sports.
Zooey Koehler and Katherine Bilderback, Student Advisors to the Board, discussed the following:
Food trucks will be at the school on Friday, November 1" as a special reward for students and staff. Another food truck day will be planned for the spring.
Dr. DeLaMar provided the Superintendent's Report and reported on the following items:
Scales Mound School's Special Ed program was recently monitored and was award a "Meeting Requirements” recognition which is the highest recognition possible. NWEA map training for K-5 staff will take place on the next SIP day and will cover how to use data to drive instruction and a discussion of the group will be held on student goal growth.
A health insurance committee has been formed to review the school's existing health insurance options as well as explore other ways to maximize coverage while keeping the plan cost effective for staff and the school. Ashlee Miller will be part of this committee representing the board.
There were no SMEA report.
PTO Report:
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The PTO will once again be assisting with the cost of microphones for use at the fall play.
Dr. DeLaMar reported on the CTE meeting held on October 7th.
The Director's evaluation is in the process of being finalized. Financials for the CTE continue to be transitioned from the ROE. The CTE Maintenance Grant is in the process of being finalized.
Dr. DeLaMar reported on the NWSE meeting held on October 8th.
The audit has been completed and will be presented to the board at the November meeting.
Enrollment stands at 25 students. Due to staffing shortages, enrollment will be capped at 28 students.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on October 24th and 25th.
No other reports from other committees were presented.
Old Business:
Discussion was held on the FY 2024 Audit. Ashlee Miller motioned to approve the FY 2024 Audit. This was seconded by Jim Stoewer. All present voted in favor.
Discussion was held by the group for the upcoming Joint Annual Conference scheduled for November 22nd-24th in Chicago, IL.
New Business:
Discussion was held on the 2025-2026 High School Course Guide and summary of changes. Katie Meusel motioned to approve the 2025-2026 High School Course Guide as presented. This was seconded by Peter Zito. All present voted in favor.
Discussion was held concerning this year's tax levy. Dr. DeLaMar attended a professional development workshop on 10/16/24 to assist with this process.
Disccussion was held on Press Plus Issue 116 which centers around Title IX and language regarding discrimination and grievances. The bank's attorney provided suggested language for the school to use in our policy. Second reading and approval will take place at the November board meeting.
Dave Hoftender updated the board on the flooring project currently in process and discussed use of the Maintenance Grant for the school year to complete flooring and asbestos removal at the school in the library, cafeteria, and office areas. A bid by Ideal Environmental Engineering Inc. for $35,000 was presented. This bid covers the cost for project design planning and engineering services. Jeff Bader motioned to accept the bid for $35,000 from Ideal Environmental Engineering, Inc. This was seconded by Peter Zito. All present voted in favor.
The school's Cardiac Emergency Response Plan was reviewed and discussed. This plan is the result of House Bill 5394 signed into law on 7/1/24 requiring all schools to have a plan. Ashlee Miller motioned to approve the plan. This was seconded by Katie Meusel. All present voted in favor.
Ashlee Miller motioned to enter into closed session for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees and for student disciplinary cases at Scales Mound CUSD #211 (5 ILCS 120/ 2@(1)), as amended by P.A.93- 0057) at 7:22pm. This was seconded by Peter Zito. All present voted in favor.
Ashlee Miller motioned to return to open session at 8:27pm. This was seconded by Jim Stoewer. All present voted in favor.
Katie Meusel motioned to accept the resignation of Melissa Wachter. This was seconded by Ashlee Miller. All present voted in favor.
Peter Zito motioned to hire Keri Connor as the School Bookkeeper with an employment start date of 11/6/24. This was seconded by Ashlee Miller. All present voted in favor.
Jeff Bader motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:29pm. This was seconded by Katie Meusel. All present voted in favor.
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President
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Secretary