Winchester Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education met Nov. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education, Community Unit School District No. 1, 149 South Elm Street, Winchester, Illinois counties of Scott, Morgan and Greene, met in regular session on Tuesday November 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM in the Board of Education office located at 149 South Elm Street in Winchester, Illinois.
President Steve Moore called the meeting to order with the following members answering roll call: Ron Coultas, Bill Jacquot, Shanna Eddinger, Trista Freeman and Steve Moore. Phyllis McGuire and Jody Clanton were absent. Also present were Superintendent Kevin Blankenship, WHS Principal Denny Vortman, WGS Principal Andy Stumpf, District Bookkeeper Angie Slagle and Administrative Assistant Becky Lashmett.
MINUTES / FINANCIALS
Freeman motioned, with a second from Eddinger, to approve the minutes of the October 15th regular meeting. Roll call vote resulted: Coultas, yea; Jacquot, yea; Eddinger, yea; Freeman, yea and Moore, yea; there being five yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Coultas motioned, with a second from Jacquot, to approve the financial reports and bills to be paid. Roll call vote resulted: Coultas, yea; Jacquot, yea; Eddinger, yea; Freeman, yea and Moore, yea; there being five yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORTS
The principals reported on building level activities and student accomplishments. Dr. Blankenship reported on the recent Co-op Committee meeting during which possible student drug testing was discussed. A potential draft policy will be considered at the next meeting of the committee.
BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Representatives of both the Bluffs and Winchester boards toured all district buildings recently. It was reportedly an ‘eye-opener’ and Dr. Blankenship indicated the discussions on future options need to continue. He anticipates ISBE funding for maintenance grants in early spring and suggested thinking about projects and priorities. It is also possible that the School Construction Grant application from 2010 will be revitalized with additional funding.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Freeman motioned to approve the district-wide ‘Strategic Plan’ developed by a team of teachers, support staff, administrators and board members for which a first reading was conducted in October. Eddinger seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Coultas, yea; Jacquot, yea; Eddinger, yea; Freeman, yea and Moore, yea; there being five yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
TAX LEVY
The proposed 2019 tax levy was presented, and President Moore announced a public hearing will be held December 10th, followed by a vote for approval of the levy.
GRADUATION DATES
A possible change in the ‘Friday of Memorial Day weekend’ for 2021 high school graduation was discussed, as well as elimination of the 8th grade promotion ceremony. Community input will be sought before taking any action.
WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE
Freeman motioned, with a second from Coultas, to accept the low bid for worker’s compensation insurance from Prairie States Insurance Cooperative. Roll call vote resulted: Coultas, yea; Jacquot, yea; Eddinger, yea; Freeman, yea and Moore, yea; there being five yeas and no nays, the motion passed
WAIVER REQUEST
Coultas motioned, with a second from Freeman, to begin the process of requesting a waiver of the School Code which requires school districts to publish their Annual Statement of Affairs in a newspaper. Roll call vote resulted: Coultas, yea; Jacquot, yea; Eddinger, yea; Freeman, yea and Moore, yea; there being five yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
PROPOSED POLICY
A first reading was conducted of proposed new Policy 551 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program. Action will be taken in December as a precursor to the ISBE newly required Threat Assessment Team.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS / QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
President Moore asked the status of Freedom of Information requests, and Superintendent Blankenship reported there were none. President Moore asked for questions or comments from the audience, and there were none.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.
http://www.winchesterschools.net/vnews/display.v/ART/5df120b7147d0
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