Orion Community Unit School District 223 Board of Education met Feb. 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The meeting was called to order at the District Office, 1002 11th Avenue, Orion, Illinois, at 7:50 p.m. by Board President Nedved. Present were members Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, Nedved, and Nightingale.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Board President Nedved announced that the Board had met in executive session at 6:35 p.m. – 7:47 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity; and discussion of lawfully closed meeting minutes, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
Motion by Nightingale, second by Kayser to approve the consent agenda. The consent agenda included approval of minutes of January 15, 2020, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting; January 15, 2020, 6:35 p.m., executive meeting; January 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m., regular meeting; approval of prepaid bills: $45,166.31; approval of January, 2020 Payroll Benefits: $40,398.34; and approval of February 2020 bills: $146,171.28, totaling $231,735.93; approval of January 30, 2020, payroll: $269,010.80; approval of February 14, 2020, payroll: $273,657.65; approval of activity fund financial statements from C.R. Hanna Elementary School, Orion Middle School, and Orion High School; approval of district financial reports; and approved the following High School Volunteer Coaches for the 2019-2020 school year: Girls’ Soccer ~ Daniel Cline, Sydney Early, Colin Hepner, Baillie McCunn, Michelle Zelnio; Softball ~ Denny Frenell, Doug Martin, Emma Sitzmore, Tony Stiles, Jon Stockton; Baseball ~ Chuck Dhabalt, James Matson; Track ~ Scott Briney. Ayes: Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, Nedved, and Nightingale. MOTION CARRIED.
The Board presented Certificates of Merit to the following students and staff: Lily Moen, All-State Orchestra; Maggie Nedved, All-State Orchestra; Lauren Heiberger, Band Director; Emily Houdyshell, All-State Chorus; Hannah Passno, All-State Chorus; and Parker Haley, Chorus Director. Brooke Bainbridge, Jennifer Maertens, and Emily Walker presented information on the Middle School LEGO Robotics Program.
Autumn Manning, Music Boosters’ Treasurer, reported on various fundraisers and the upcoming musical, Little Shop of Horrors, to be presented on March 12 and 14. Mrs. Manning also reported on an upcoming music trip in June, new uniforms, and an upcoming band concert on February 27.
Superintendent Blessman reported on staff evaluations, remodeling projects, a recent Calendar Committee meeting, an upcoming IASB Blackhawk Division meeting, professional development activities, school maintenance grant, a plow truck, and a tour of area fine arts auditoriums.
C.R. Hanna Principal Lowe reported on the Illinois 5Essentials Survey and a Leadership Conference that he recently attended. Mr. Lowe also thanked OEF for funding the presenter at the February 14 Teachers’ Institute.
Middle School Principal Nelson reported on athletics, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, the February 14 Teachers’ Institute, an upcoming blood drive at OMS on March 18, and upcoming testing. Dr. Nelson also gave an update on the new OMS Learning Garden project.
High School Principal DeBaillie reported on various student achievements, upcoming musical on March 12 and 14, dual credit courses, testing, Senior Class trip, and athletics.
Motion by Monson, second by Kayser to accept the retirement resignation from Laura Nelson as Middle School Principal effective at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year. Ayes: Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, Nedved, and Nightingale. MOTION CARRIED.
Motion by Nightingale, second by Kane to hire Jim Goodwin as the District School Psychologist for the 2020-2021 school year. Ayes: Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, Nedved, and Nightingale. MOTION CARRIED.
The Board reviewed meeting minutes from the District Calendar Committee and Orion Athletic Booster Club.
Motion by Nightingale, second by Cooper to adopt the proposed FY2021 school calendar, as presented. Ayes: Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, and Nightingale. Nay: Nedved. MOTION CARRIED.
Motion by Kane, second by Kayser to approve the following overnight trips of less than 200 miles (one way) for the 2019-2020 school year that are not part of the IHSA State Finals Series: baseball: March 27- 28, 2020, Jacksonville, IL; and softball: March 27-28, 2020, Jacksonville, IL. Ayes: Abbott, Cooper, Kane, Kayser, Monson, Nedved, and Nightingale. MOTION CARRIED.
Board President Nedved reported on the upcoming IASB Blackhawk Division meeting on Tuesday, March 3. Secretary Abbott read one thank you note.
Motion by Nightingale, second by Kayser to adjourn. Voice Vote: All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
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