South West Illinois News

Anna Jonesboro Community High School District 81 Board met Jan. 9.

Here is the minutes as provided by the Board:

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School held its regular meeting on January 9, 2017. Upon roll call at 7:00 p.m. the following members were present: Mr. Housman, Dr. Reach, Mr. Hughey, Dr. Blakely, Mr. Edwards, Mr. McGrath and Mrs. Boget. Also present was Superintendent Wright and Brett Detering. On motion by Mr. McGrath and seconded by Mr. Edwards to approve the Agenda as written. All members voting yes.

On motion by Mrs. Boget and seconded by Mr. Housman to approve the Consent Agenda which contained the following items: approval of board minutes on 12/19/2016; approval of closed session minutes; approval of payment for bills and acceptance of financial reports; approve destruction of Closed Session tapes at least 18 months old; accept resignation of Angela Smith as cook. On roll call, all members voting yes. Motion carried. Visitor Tina Sadler came and addressed the board. Kenzie Boget presented the Student Council Items of Interest. The items of interest presented; the next blood drive will be on January 19th from 9:00-3:00, if you are interested in donating please call the office to set up your appointment. We have been recruiting individuals to donate during lunches. We are also planning a Soup-er Bowl January 16th - February 3rd. We will be collecting food items and toiletries to be donated to local food pantries. The homeroom to collect the most products will receive a pizza party. Scott Finders represented the teachers. The items of interest presented were as follows: 37 students auditioned for the musical in December, and ended up with a final cast of 33. Auditions were held last week for grade school parts to round out the cast.

In December art students submitted entries to the annual Scholastic Art competition. Four student’s works were admitted into this year’s show.

Chloe Gamber won a Gold Key for her pencil drawing of Marilyn Monroe, Hannah Stark and Hannah Fuller each had two pieces admitted with

Hannah Fuller receiving a Silver Key. Kirsten Flick’s portfolio of eight works was accepted—two of these being awarded Silver Keys. The opening ceremony will be held at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in the Mitchell Museum on January 14th; the student work will be on display until February 5th at which time the students will be able to attend a closing awards ceremony.

Mrs. Vancil and Mr. Horn will enter their students in the Little Egypt Art show and competition in Marion. Each teacher is able to enter five student works. These winners will be announced at the nest board meeting.

Mrs. Lewis is working with the PSAT10 and SAT students who are eligible to have accommodations when we administer the test in April. We have 25 sophomores eligible for accommodations and at this point 14 students want to have accommodations, 4 do not, and we are waiting to hear back from 7 more students.

For the SAT, there are a total of 19 juniors who are eligible to have accommodations. Currently 12 students want to have them, 3 do not, and 4 have not turned in their paperwork. The students who have accommodations will have to be tested separately with other students who have the same accommodations.

Principal Detering gave reports on first semester exams, enrollment, discipline, and the cafeteria.

Superintendent Wright presented his administrative report. We are still trying to finish up the roofing project. The cleaning of the floors took place over the holidays. There were, however, four or five leaks found that are in process of being repaired.

On motion by Dr. Reach and seconded by Mr. McGrath for the Board to enter into closed session at 7:30 p.m. for the following reasons (1) the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employee of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public to determine its validity. 5ILCS 120/2(c) (1) Discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Open meetings Act, whether for the purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5ILCS 120(c) (14).On roll call, all members voting yes. Motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Housman and seconded by Mr. Edwards to return to regular session at 9:05 p.m. On roll call, all members voting yes. Motion carried.

On motion by Dr. Reach and seconded by Mr. Hughey to approve keeping all closed session minutes closed. On roll call, all members voting yes. Motion carried.

The Annual Report on Student Performance and Improvement was presented by Mr. Wright. On motion by Dr. Blakely seconded by Mrs. Boget to approve the revision in the Student Handbook to include new language in regards to foster care students. On roll call, all members present voting yes.

Motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Hughey seconded by Mr. Edwards to approve Posting for the Position of Director of Curriculum & Instruction. On roll call, all members present voting yes. Motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Edwards seconded by Mr. Housman to hire Nikki Hadley as the new Principal’s Secretary. On roll call, 6 yeas (Hughey, Housman, Blakely, Edwards, McGrath and Boget), 1 nay (Reach).

Motion carried.

On motion by Dr. Reach seconded by Dr. Blakely to hire Amber Newberry as a new cook. On roll call, all members present voting yes. Motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Housman and seconded by Mr. Hughey to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 9:14 p.m.

On roll call, all members present voting yes. Motion carried.

Next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, February 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Superintendent's Office.