Mahomet-Seymour Community Schools

Key discussions included an update on the Elementary Level Professional Development focused on guided reading and small group instruction, with a shift in the Interventionist/Reading Specialist role to a coaching function. The Board approved several action items related to facilities and finance: Change Order #9 for the fire alarm system at Middletown Prairie, the purchase of a new Kiln for Middletown Prairie, the purchase of a Scoreboard for the Middletown Prairie Gymnasium, and the adoption of a resolution to abate payments for the Alternate Revenue Source Bonds (Series 2010 and 2016C), redirecting these payments to be covered by 1% sales tax proceeds. Further financial actions included approving a Property Tax Abatement Resolution utilizing sales tax revenue for debt service relief for Tax Levy Year 2017, and approving the transfer of $980,996.04 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund to facilitate the abatement payments. The Board also approved a fixed-cost contract with BLDD ($28,500) to design roof repairs at Lincoln Trail and authorized the project to go out for bid, to be funded by Health Life Safety funds. Superintendent Dr. Hall introduced the new Editor at the Mahomet Citizen and updated the Board on employee participation in a poverty simulation. The next Bulldog Dialog is scheduled for February 1st.

Key discussions included the financial report noting the district's Evidence Based Funding tier status and expected increase in the EAV (district tax base). The Superintendent's Report offered thanks to various staff and community partners, noted the successful closing of the Sangamon Elementary School sale, and reported a positive start to the school year. Action items included the approval of additional days for Project Manager Rick Johnston to finalize a project, approval of the PRESS Updates and Policy Changes, and a discussion regarding professional development focused on Responsive Classroom and Restorative Practices training. The meeting concluded with a closed session concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.

The meeting included a financial report highlighting savings of approximately $444,000 on a project due to specific collaborations and material usage, which was completed under budget. The Superintendent's report acknowledged Principal Week, National School Bus Safety Week, Academic Letter Night, the Mahomet Rotary Club's donation of trees for school property planting (including memorial areas), and the Rotary Club's literacy initiative to provide dictionaries to all third-grade students. Recognition was also given to Christie Clinic for a scoreboard sponsorship. Discussion items included the selection of the Vice President as the representative for the Conference Delegate Assembly and a proposal for naming the High School Weight Room after Mr. Jim Risley, with final action scheduled for the next meeting. A closed session was held to discuss employee matters.

The meeting included reports and updates, noting the welcome of Dr. PJ Caposey for teacher evaluation training and updates regarding the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Middletown Prairie Elementary. Key discussion and action items involved the approval of the 2018-2022 Negotiated Agreement between MSEA and the Board. Technology and finance matters included the approval of a Technology Service Agreement with MicroSystems, approval for a Working Cash Inter-Fund Loan, and authorization for a Permanent Transfer from the Working Cash Fund. The Board approved retaining Kriha Law, LLC as a school attorney, in addition to existing counsel. A closed session was held to discuss the Superintendent's Contract, which was subsequently approved with an extension to the term. Other actions included the approval of a Math Textbook Adoption, approval of a new Acceleration Program Policy as required by recent law, and a review of PRESS Updates and Policy Changes, which will be acted upon in the following meeting. A final closed session was held to discuss employee matters.

The meeting included discussion regarding the results of a Board of Education Self-Evaluation meeting facilitated by IASB, which led to potential improvements such as livestreaming board meetings and enhancing FOIA request accessibility. New communication initiatives were announced, including 'Coffee and Conversation' sessions and a new public meeting series named 'Bulldog Dialog.' Key action items involved the presentation of the 2016-2017 Annual District Audit, which resulted in an adverse opinion on GAAP financial statements but clean opinions on cash and regulatory bases, noting three findings and one IDEA finding. The Board adopted the budget following a budget hearing. Further discussion items included the administrative salary compensation report, approval of five Phase II Change Orders resulting in a deduction of $61,541 for restroom fixture additions, and a review of extra-curricular activities, noting participation increases and successes in sports like baseball, softball, cross country, and bass fishing. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters, property pricing, student disciplinary cases, and special education placements.