February 2024 Board Minutes
February 20, 2024
The Board of Education, Community Unit School District No. 1, 149 South Elm Street, Winchester, Illinois counties of Scott, Morgan and Greene, met in regular session on Tuesday January 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Winchester Elementary School gymnasium.
President Steve Moore called the meeting to order with the following members answering roll call: Thad Walker, Bill Jacquot, Eric Peterson, and Steve Moore. Trista Freeman, Shanna Eddinger and Aaron Littig were absent. Also attending were Superintendent Kevin Blankenship, WGS Assistant Principal Nick ZuHone, WHS Principal Denny Vortman, and Administrative Assistant Becky Lashmett.
MINUTES / FINANCIALS
Walker motioned, with a second from Peterson, to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2024 regular meeting. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Walker motioned, with a second from Jacquot, to approve the financial reports and bills to be paid. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORTS
The building principals provided an update of student recognitions, activities and accomplishments. Superintendent Blankenship presented a detailed financial summary outlining projected v. actual revenues and expenses as of February 1st.
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
An informational flyer is being prepared regarding the three options for improving Winchester High School, as well as a community survey. Once this is completed, a public meeting will be scheduled. The district’s architect will meet with WHS staff for their input on March 7th.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Walker motioned to approve the proposed job description for Bookkeeper / District Treasurer as presented. Peterson seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
GRADUATION DATES
Walker motioned, with a second from Peterson to establish graduation dates, with WGS on May 23rd and WHS on May 24th. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, no; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being three yeas and one nay, the motion passed.
2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Jacquot motioned to approve the committee-developed school calendar as presented for the 2024-2025 term.
Walker seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS / PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Moore asked the status of Freedom of Information requests, and Superintendent Blankenship reported there were none. President Moore then asked for questions or comments from the audience, and WHS Ag teacher Alexis Carroll asked if a new ag shop was planned if a new building is constructed and was told a vocational center for all programs was included.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Jacquot motioned at 7:11 PM to enter into closed session. Walker seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Jacquot motioned, with a second from Walker, to return to open session at 8:24 PM. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
President Moore announced the purpose of the executive session was for student discipline and personnel matters.
PERSONNEL ACTION
Jacquot motioned to accept the retirement of Angie Slagle as bookkeeper / treasurer effective at a date to be determined later this spring. Walker seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Jacquot motioned to employ Kirsten Pratt as bookkeeper / treasurer effective at a date to be determined later this spring. Peterson seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Peterson motioned to employ Kessie Melanson as 2nd grade teacher for the 2024-2025 school term. Walker seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Peterson yea; and Moore, yea; there being four yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Jacquot motioned to employ Mark Hester as custodian. Peterson seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, no; Jacquot, yea; Peterson no; and Moore, yea; there being two yeas and two nays, the motion failed with no action being taken.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM.
