Arcola School District #306 Board of Education met Sept. 30.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
A special meeting of the Board of Education of Arcola Community Unit District #306 Arcola, Illinois was called to order in the Media Center at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 for the purpose of approving the changes to the Back to School Plan and approving the employment of staff.
President Strader called the meeting to order. The following members answered roll call: Crane, Stout, Shonkwiler, Wesch, and Strader. Board member Arrol was not present.
Others present were: Tom Mulligan, Jennifer Frichtl, Lisa Sigrist, Angie Gentry, Cathy Brimner, Nick Lindsey, David Porter, Amanda Kessler, Heather Cassady, Jaymee Attaway, Jodie Pantier, Breanne Reinhard, Genny Coats, Desi Thomas, Sherri Watson, and Jenny White.
President Strader recognized the visitors and asked for public comment. At this time, Amanda Kessler spoke on behalf of herself and the other teachers regarding their concerns for extending the school day. A lot of the teachers are concerned about planning time, as well as the adjustment period for the students returning from remote learning. A longer school day means longer exposure to kids for the JH/HS teachers, as well as exposure to more kids each day. The daily routine has changed greatly and continues to change with students being sick or quarantined. They also currently feel the school as a whole is doing a good job containing the virus and the staff feels safe.
Business:
Before the Board voted on the business item below, discussion regarding the changes occurred. Dr. Mulligan explained his rationale for his recommendation to extend the school day to 2 p.m. Board members Stout and Crane asked questions about the plans on how to handle lunch service and what it would mean if more parents choose to stay on remote learning if the school day does get extended. Board member Shonkwiler asked about instructional time. Board member Crane suggested staying with the 12:10 p.m. dismissal for 1 week after the remote learners return, to give them a chance to get acclimated to all the new procedures, before extending the school day to the 2 p.m. dismissal.
Motion by Shonkwiler, seconded by Stout, to approve the changes to the back to school plan. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Wesch, aye; Strader, aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Crane, seconded by Wesch, to enter executive session at 7:42 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in an educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body; and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedule for one or more classes of employees. Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Wesch, aye; Strader, aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Crane, seconded by Shonkwiler, to return to regular session at 8:05 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Wesch, aye; Strader, aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Motion by Wesch, seconded by Shonkwiler, to approve the employment of Taylor Edwards as Head HS Girls Basketball Coach. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Wesch, aye; Strader, aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
Announcements:
Motion by Stout, seconded by Crane, to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Roll call vote: Crane, aye; Stout, aye; Shonkwiler, aye; Wesch, aye; Strader, aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/968333/Board_Minutes_-_Special_Meeting_09.30.2020.pdf
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