Board Meeting Summary:
During its Regular Board Meeting held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 the Board of Education accomplished the following items.
1. Held a Truth-in-Taxation Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Levy for School Year 2024-2025
2. Approved the minutes of the October 18, 2023 Regular Meeting and the October 28, 2023 Special Meeting.
3. Recognized state qualifying athletes: Ashlee Lord, cross country, and coach John Beatty, and Samantha Nauman, girls swim, and coaches Rob McNally and Jen Heagy.
4. Recognized faculty and students, Mr. Dan Burkart, Mr. John Beatty, Gavin Kallis, Amadea Ambler, and Riley Doerr for their efforts to help an ailing student during an emergency.
5. The Social Science Division was spotlighted, featuring Mrs. Holly Ziegler, who discussed the Honors Local History course and its use of the library resources.
6. An opportunity for public comment was offered.
7. Approved monthly L-P bills, ACC bills, payroll, and financial statements.
8. Approved the Required Board and Employee Travel Expense Reimbursements
9. Received correspondence from Mr. Jeff Humpage and family, Mrs. Cheryl DePaepe of the L-P Foundation, Mrs. Janice Spelich and family, and Mr. Burney Wilkie and family.
10. Mr. Ferrari presented the Building and Grounds Committee Report.
11. Mr. Merboth presented the Finance Committee Report.
12. Dr. Lynch presented the Programs Committee Report.
13. Mrs. Alcorn presented the Policy Committee Report.
14. Dr. Wrobleski and the Board of Education provided a Triple I Conference Debrief
15. Dr. Wrobleski presented the Superintendent’s Report, sharing information regarding the tentative tax levy and how assessed value increases in the community will impact local taxpayers, applying for a national school lunch equipment program grant, a FOIA request, and his new regular column in the NewsTribune.
16. Mrs. Cushing presented the Principal’s Report, sharing information on the new accelerated placement act and the METT endorsement pathway.
17. Mr. Hanson presented the Athletic Director’s Report, sharing information on band and choir concerts, Josh Senica scoring 1,000 points, girls bowling accomplishments, and a fall season recap.
18. Mr. Mentgen presented the Area Career Center Director’s report, sharing information on new business partnerships, building inspections, and updates on the elevator project.
19. Mr. Baker presented the Director of Communication Report, sharing information on recent communication office activities.
20. Approved adopting the Tax Year 2023 Levy for School Year 2024-2025
21. Approved renewing the Johannes Bus Company contract through 2025-2026
22. Approved renewing the garbage removal contract with Republic Services through December 2026
23. Approved the 2024-2025 District Calendar
24. Approved the 2024-2025 Program of Study Revisions
25. Approved the following course proposals:
i. Personal Fitness
26. Approved the CavalCare Program sponsored by Marquis Energy
27. Approved of PRESS Policy Issue 113 (October 2023) except Policy 8:30 – Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
28. Approved the following resignations:
i. Mr. Jerry Studzinski, Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, effective November 20, 2023
ii. Ms. Carrie Whitten, PRIDE Paraprofessional, effective November 27, 2023
iii. Mr. Brian Layhew, ACC Aviation Teacher, effective December 21, 2023
29. Approved the following appointments:
i. Mr. Jerry Studzinski, Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, effective for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year
ii. Mr. Burney Wilkie, Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, effective for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year (replaces Mr. Jerry Studzinski)
iii. Ms. Alexia Michael, Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach, effective for the 2023-2024 school year
iv. Mr. Matthew Lambert, Special Education Teacher, effective January 8, 2024 through the end of the 2023-2024 school year (replaces Ms. Amery Ziel-Cole)
v. Mr. Brian Towne, Volunteer Mock Trial Sponsor, effective for the 2023-2024 school year
30. Approved the following maternity/FMLA request:
i. Mrs. Nicole Kowalczyk, on or about April 19, 2024, through the end of the 2023-2024 school year. She will be using accrued sick days to cover the leave.
31. Approved the LP Crunching Cavs Youth Wrestling Program request to host the annual Crunching Cavs Classic Tournament at L-P High School on Sunday, January 24, 2024.
32. Approved the Wrestling Team's overnight trip to Springfield from Friday, December 15, 2023, to Saturday, December 16, 2023. The overnight is for the Joe Bee Classic Invitational, hosted by Springfield High School. Travel expenses are funded by the Mat Club.
33. Approved the Music Department’s overnight trip to Peoria on Thursday, January 25, 2024, to Friday, January 26, 2024, to participate in the Illinois Music Education Conference. The District Activities Travel Account will fund expenses.
34. Reviewed and retained the following executive/closed session minutes:
i. Regular Meeting Minutes, November 15, 2023
35. Approved destructing verbatim audio records from Executive Session held prior to April 1, 2022, per the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120
i. Regular Meeting Minutes, June 22, 2022
36. Approved the following appointment:
i. Dr. Shane Lange, ACC/SRAVTE Director, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
37. Approved the real estate agreement contract for purchase of 546 Creve Coeur Street, LaSalle, IL 61301.
38. Approved hiring Mr. Matthew Magdziarz to appraise Menards, Inc., Parcel Number 17-04-101-013 for $6,000 with costs shared per the IGA with Dimmick C.C.S.D. #175, IVCC, and LaSalle County Board.
39. Approved hiring Mr. Dale Kluzinski to appraise Peru Mall AMA, LLC, Parcel Number 17-05-410-012 with costs shared per the IGA with Dimmick C.C.S.D. #175, IVCC, and LaSalle County Board.
