Shelley Arns

The meeting included a moment of silence in memory of four individuals. Key actions involved the approval of the Consent Agenda items, which included the Treasurer's Report, check register reports, and acknowledgment of the Freedom of Information Log. The Superintendent introduced the incoming Academy Director for the 2026-27 school year and provided an update on the first Quincy Together community engagement workshop. The Building Committee reviewed bids for the electrical infrastructure project and acknowledged a resignation. The Finance Committee reviewed the annual audit, noting a finding regarding lease accounting, and discussed the district's improved financial profile score. The committee recommended approval for food and non-food supply bids from Kohl Wholesale. The Policy Committee reviewed several IASB policy revisions slated for approval at the February meeting. The Board approved seniority lists for licensed and support staff, the 2026-2027 school calendar, and a resolution authorizing the issue and sale of Life Safety and Refunding Bonds. Following an executive session, the Board adopted recommendations regarding pre-expulsion disciplinary agreements for multiple students and approved the Personnel Addendum, which detailed various appointments, resignations, leaves of absence, and retirements for certified and classified staff.

The meeting included public hearings on the Proposed Tax Levy for 2025 and the Intent to Sell School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds. Key discussion points included ongoing staffing challenges across the district, particularly in special education and Early Childhood, and plans for community engagement workshops starting in January. The superintendent search update indicated an accelerated timeline with initial interviews conducted. The Building Committee addressed Health and Life Safety projects, focusing on the high school's main power connection and boiler/HVAC needs; a community-funded tree-planting initiative at Rooney School was also noted. The Finance Committee reviewed the 2025 levy projection, confirming the approval of the resolution to establish the levy and the public hearing on the bond sale, aiming to cover health and life safety projects. The Board approved an application for a $50,000 matching School Maintenance Project Grant towards an electrical upgrade, approved an HLS Amendment for bleacher replacement at Baldwin Upper, and adopted a resolution regarding the Risk Management Program. Following an executive session, the Board addressed student discipline, approving a pre-expulsion agreement for one QHS student and the expulsion of another, and approved the Revised Personnel Addendum, which detailed numerous certified and classified appointments, resignations, and leaves of absence.

The special meeting convened with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary substantive action taken was entering into an executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the School District. Following the executive session, the Board resumed the meeting under regular rules before adjourning.

The Superintendent updated the Board on several topics, including appreciation for the welcome received during the first four weeks. The Board approved Mrs. Christina Meyer as the incoming Academy Director for the 2026-27 school year, succeeding Ms. Wells. Discussion also covered recent weather-related decisions regarding school closures, emphasizing the philosophy of keeping schools open when safe. An update was provided on the first Quincy Together community engagement workshop, which involved participant feedback sessions, with future workshops scheduled through May 2026. In other actions, the Board approved Licensed and Educational Support Staff Seniority Lists, the Spring Food and Non-Food Bid, and the 2026-2027 School Calendar, alongside a Resolution for the Issue and Sale of Life Safety and Refunding Bonds.

The meeting agenda included standard opening procedures such as the Pledge of Allegiance and public comments. Key discussions involved the consent agenda items: Treasurer's Report, Check Register and Fund Activity Reports, and acknowledgment of the Freedom of Information Log. Standing Committee reports covered the Building Committee, District Improvement Committee, Finance Committee, Discipline Committee, and Policy Committee. The Finance Committee item specifically included considering and approving Food and Non-Food Bids for Spring 2026. New business focused on approving Licensed/Support Staff Seniority Lists, the 2026-2027 Calendar, and a resolution for the issue and sale of life safety and refunding bonds not to exceed $40,000,000. The agenda also allocated time for Executive Sessions regarding personnel matters, negotiations, property transactions, litigation, and student discipline, concluding with a review of personnel addendums.