Members of the Brownsville School Foundation gave an update on the playground at the school. The project, mainly the installation of new swings, is 88% complete with 10% still in progress, with the other two percent open. They have yet to finish the playground surface covering and putting in concrete with some additional small repair yet to be made. After all that is completed, a chain link fence will be put up around the playground. The Foundation has raised $60,000 in donations so far, with the goal to be $100,000. 30% of the monies raised have come from grants.
Transportation Director Bart King gave an update of the district’s vehicles and current bus lease agreements and his recommendations. They are currently in the second year of a three-year lease agreement. King recommended that they lease a new special needs bus and a new drivers education car and designate their current special needs bus and three other buses as surplus, with the idea of selling them off in the future.
The board approved entering into an agreement with Hucks to partner with the district for a Spirit Pump Program. Hucks on Oak Street will use Carmi’s logo on one of their gas pumps and three cents from each gallon sold at the designated pump would be donated to the school district to help support their student’s education. Proceeds from the Spirit Pump would be distributed quarterly.
Laura Goemaat, district administrative secretary, was appointed as IMRF authorized agent to succeed District Bookkeeper Sheila Napier, due to her retirement in mid-October. The appointment goes into effect immediately. Goemaat will be able to file a petition for nomination of an executive trustee of IMRF, cast a ballot for election and perform any other powers and duties delegated to her.
The school district received about $665,000 in revenue for September, including $61,431 from the one percent sales tax. The state still owes them $490,000 from this year.
In the superintendent’s report, Brad Lee said Red Ribbon Week activities run from now until Friday, with the theme “Elect to Be Drug Free”.
Principal Appreciation Day will be celebrated on Friday.
Kemper CPA will be at the November 19th board meeting to review the 2018-19 audit.
The district entered into an agreement with Apptegy, a company that designs school websites and apps. They will construct the district’s website with the majority of the costs paid through grant money.
Three Open Houses will be held next month at their three elementary buildings to allow members of the community to tour the buildings and learn about the options for improving their facilities, as well as funding options.
The district this year has received almost $1.2 million in federal and state grants for fiscal year 2020.
The board approved the first reading of a policy addressing the use of service and therapy animals, defining each type of animal and procedures that must be followed. The second reading of the policy will be at next month’s board meeting.
High School guidance counselor Clinton Wolff provided information concerning dual credit opportunities offered at the high school through SIC.
In other business, the board approved members an estimated expense approval form for expense requests for travel, meals, and/or lodging. Hotel expenses will be paid by the district and board members will not be reimbursed for their mileage.
They also accepted the retirement of Amy Rice effective at the end of the 2022/23 school year and the resignations of Erin Underhill as head cook at Washington School effective September 30th and Mike Zaranti as fifth grade girl’s basketball coach effective immediately, as well as $535 in donations to Brownsville School.
The board went into closed session at 7:58 PM to discus personnel.
In the closed session, David Mitchell was employed as Head Cook at Washington Attendance center for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Erin Underhill. Justice Stubblefield was employed as Junior High 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jonathan Goemaat. Brandon Smith, Brian Anderson, Bart King and Jeremy Belford were approved as High School Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coaches for the 2019-2020 school year. Kayla Sutton and Jason Craig were approved as High School Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coaches for the 2019-2020 school year.
