McHenry Times

Alden-Hebron Community Consolidated Unit School District #19 Board of Education met Aug. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Statement read before meeting by President Norton: The state of Illinois has altered provisions of the Open Meetings Act allowing Boards to conduct business via electronic means and enforce limits on gathering size in accordance with CDC guidelines in regard to the COVID-19 outbreak. The current meeting capacity is 50 people. Masks and social distancing are required to attend the meeting.

President Norton called the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Alden-Hebron Community Consolidated Unit School District #19 to order at 7:01 P.M.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mr. Norton, Mr. Winkelman, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Madsen, Mrs. Smith ABSENT: Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Berg

ALSO PRESENT:

Dr. Debbie Ehlenburg-Interim Superintendent, Tiffany Elswick-Asst. Supt./ES Principal, Tim Hayunga-MS/HS Principal, John Lalor-AD, Dr. Nick Ciccotosto, Rick Madsen, Joe Lalor

REMOTE

Scott Redden-Buildings and Grounds, Scott LeBaron-IT Director, Colleen Geils-Media Specialist, Susan O’Malley-Birth to 3 Parent Educator, Stephanie Pride, Steph Nenn, Gritmacker, Misty Vazquez, Caller 2 (left meeting), Samantha Koehler

Correspondence

 Letter from Jim Hilton, notifying the BOE that Jim’s Snowplowing will not be rebidding for snowplowing for the 2020-2021 season.

 Thank you notes from Cyndie Erckfritz, Lisa Sachs, and Kristen Norton to the BOE and administration their longevity acknowledgement and gifts.

COMMUNICATIONS Public Comments: None

Staff Comments None

Board Comments None

Consent Agenda

*A. Approval of August 5, 2020 Regular and Executive Meeting Minutes *B. Recap of July 2020 Expenditures

*C. Treasurer’s Report for July 2020

*D. Approval of Current Invoices & Payroll

*E. Personnel Report

Mr. Madsen moved, Mr. Winkelman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ayes: Mr. Norton, Mr. Winkelman, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Madsen, Mrs. Smith

BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION

Tiffany Elswick-ES Principal – as presented

Mrs. Elswick stated that the staff has done an amazing job getting ready for e-learning. Also, thanks to Mrs. Geils and Mrs. Schwanke for conducting professional development for the ES staff in preparation for the e-learning.

She stated that the ES Meet and Greet went well this evening. Staff is working to get the few connectivity issues resolved before school starts tomorrow.

Mr. Tim Hayunga-MS/HS Principal – as presented

Mr. Hayunga thanked the entire District staff for their work in getting ready for remote learning. Thank you to Mrs. Cashmore for helping teachers/staff get prepared for the start of the school year, and to Mr. Redden and the B&G staff for getting the painting done above the windows on the MS/HS building. The work on the steps on the North end of the front of the MS/HS has been completed and looks great.

Mr. Hayunga also stated that the MS/HS Meet and Greet went well. There were a few connection issues that have been resolved, so all should be ready for the start of school tomorrow.

Dr. Debbie Ehlenburg – Superintendent – as presented

Dr. Ehlenburg stated that she has applied for all of the grants that were available so far. There is one more grant that she is waiting for the state to activate on line, the Perkins/CTI grant. The application may have been delayed because they combined the application for these two grants this year.

Dr. Ehlenburg also praised the District staff for coming together in preparation for the start of remote learning. District 19 is committed to providing the best education possible for our students under these unprecedented circumstances.

VILLAGE

Mrs. Smith attended the July Village meeting. Discussion at the meeting included:

 An appropriations ordinance was passed.

 Expansion of Hart’s Saloon has been passed

 Employee overtime and compensation was discussed

 Trustee, Mr. Bob Wagner resigned his office due to relocating 

Mr. Madsen attended the August Village meeting. Discussion included

 Garage Sales included 47 participants

 Motor fuel tax will be used to gravel the municipal parking lot

 “Customer Only” parking on Main Street

FINANCE

Dr. Ehlenburg stated that the budget is on display in the District Office and will be ready for approval at the next BOE meeting. The Audit has been completed and went very well.

PHYSICAL STRUCTURES/MAINTENANCE

Mr. Redden stated that his staff has been working hard at getting everything ready for the start of the school year. Painting above the windows at the MS/HS went well.

Mr. Norton remarked, and Mr. Madsen agreed, that buildings and grounds are looking good. The new paint at the MS/HS makes a significant improvement in the appearance of the building. Dr. Ehlenburg stated that the $50,000 matching School Maintenance Grant has been received. It is her suggestion that the architect be contacted regarding his recommendations for going out to bid for the work on the transoms above the doors at the MS/HS. This work is necessary as noted on the Health Life Safety Audit.

TRANSPORTATION—as presented

Mr. Norton was happy to note that we have the new bus.

CURRICULUM/POLICY

Mrs. Elswick reported that she, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Johnson met as the Curriculum and Policy Committee and went over the recent policy updates sent by PRESS. They recommend to have these updates on the Consent Agenda for the September 16 meeting.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 Dr. Ehlenburg (on behalf of Mr. Berg)—Board Committees

 Mr. Norton (on behalf of Mrs. Johnson)—Work on Community Engagement that was suspended in April due to COVID19.

 Dr. Ehlenburg will contact Jill Huskisson to discuss her availability to resume work on this project this fall (September or October)

COMMUNICATIONS

Public Comments: None

Staff Comments

Mr. Lalor notified the BOE that Mr. Howie Judson, Alden-Hebron alumnus and retired professional baseball player, has passed away. He will keep the BOE and the Administration informed of plans for his memorial services.

Also, based on IDPH’s newest guidance for “return-to-play” for school sports, he would like the BOE to consider allowing him to send informational letters to all registered families about the IDPH’s guidance along with a survey for families to complete regarding interest in athletics in the upcoming fall. He has some new coaches who are willing to get started working with student athletes as soon as allowable.

Dr. Ehlenburg responded that no fall coaches have been hired as of yet, but when it becomes possible to start athletics, they can be placed on the Personnel Report and brought to the BOE Consent Agenda for approval.

Board Comments

Mrs. Combs reiterated thanks to the entire District staff for working together to get the school year started.

Mr. Norton wished the staff good luck for the start of what could be a very exciting year, citing his confidence that the Administration and Staff will do a great job. To Mr. Lalor, Mr. Norton stated that he and the BOE will take his idea about sending informational letters and surveys to families regarding athletics under consideration.

Also, Mr. Norton thanked everyone for their concern and well-wishes upon the passing of his Mother.

Adjournment

Mr. Winkelman moved, Mrs. Smith seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:31pm. Motion Carried.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/923289/8-19-2020_minutes.pdf