Cassidy O'Brien

This document outlines St. Elmo CUSD #202's plan for utilizing American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER III) funds. The primary goals are to safely reopen and sustain school operations and to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. Key priorities include ensuring a safe return to in-person instruction aligned with public health guidance, gathering community input, and dedicating a minimum of 20% of funds to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions, curriculum development, additional staffing for class reduction, social-emotional learning programs, and academic support. The plan also focuses on facility maintenance, air quality, transportation, sanitation, and maintaining equity in funding and staffing.

The board meeting agenda included several key items. Old business involved approving contracts with Merz Heating and Air Conditioning for school system improvements. New business covered student handbook changes, substitute teacher pay, the FY'22 student fee schedule, advertising for bids (milk, bread, fuel), the sale of surplus equipment, road repairs, a revised school calendar, participation in IHSA Bass Fishing, and commercial insurance renewal. A closed session addressed personnel matters, including salaries, contract amendments, resignations, and new hires. Specific actions from the closed session included approving salaries for the bookkeeper, treasurer, and maintenance supervisor; amending an elementary principal's contract; approving certified and support staff resignations; approving extracurricular resignations; employing a high school business teacher; employing summer custodial help; and approving an SESSP contract.

The board meeting included discussion and approval of the tentative back-to-school plan for the 2021-2022 school year, contracts with Merz Heating and Air Conditioning for school system improvements, milk, bread, and fuel bids, and the purchase of pre-owned buses. The meeting also covered the end-of-year budget overview, the first reading of press policies, and the purchase of a 10-passenger van. A closed session addressed personnel matters, including resignations and employment of certified and support staff, as well as coaching staff.

The board meeting agenda included discussion and possible approval of a TCSA with Hurst-Rosche for gym ceiling design. New business items included approval of the St. Elmo Elementary Summer Academy Program, the 2021-2022 Amended Calendar, an annual South East Purchasing Cooperative Agreement, and a resolution to offer a TRS Supplemental Savings Plan. A closed session was scheduled to discuss personnel matters, including a resignation, employment of a cheerleading sponsor, a board member appointment, and the employment of a district superintendent.

The board meeting agenda included the approval of a QZAB Interest Tax Abatement Resolution, the adoption of a proposed tax levy, authorization for the board president to sign a Certificate of Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Act, and the first reading of press policies. Other agenda items involved the purchase of interactive whiteboards and lockers, advertising for bids for bus garage expansion, and a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation and employment of a junior high cheerleading sponsor and the approval of a junior high volleyball volunteer assistant coach.