001We have >> here. White >> here. >> Present. >> Garrison >> here. >> Wesley >> here. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now, the pledge of allegiance. Do you want to lead us in the pledge? Yeah. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Up next is the annual district audit. But you don't look like Kim. >> You're not Kimberly. Um, I'm Ashley. I'm the manager on the audit. Um, and I will go over the report at a really high level. Um, if anybody has any questions, just stop me. I'm sure it's all for most of you. Um, um, there are three types of reports we issue. So, if you
002turn in your audit booklet, so the first report that we have is the independent auditor's report. And you'll see on the first page, there's actually two opinions that we do issue. Um the first opinion um is an unmodified opinion on the regulatory basis of accounting. So the district's financial statements are not reported on US GAAP. So we have to issue an unmodified opinion and then also an adverse opinion. Um and you'll see on the second page where we say um the adverse opinion is just related to um being reported in Isby's regulatory basis financial statements. So I mean all the cash basis school districts that we do have this issue. So um other than that um everything was under the unmodified opinion. So then the second report that we do issue is the auditor's report
003on internal control. Um so we do come in and we test the district's controls over payroll and vendor dispersements. You'll see at the very bottom of the page um we did note that we did not notice any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in that test. And then if you turn into the footnotes, there's note three. It's a cache footnote. Where is that? >> Um, it's like halfway >> halfway through in the footnotes. It's note three. >> Oh, note three. There's no one. >> It's not a heading. >> I don't have page numbers on my copy. >> They're not numbered. >> Yeah, these aren't numbered. >> It's fine. >> Yes. though the pages aren't numbered >> right there. >> Okay, everybody there? Okay, sorry. >> Oh, that's okay. >> So, you will see in the middle
004of the page um under the cash footnote, it just mentions the custodial credit risk in the event of a bank failure. And we've just noted that all the district's deposits are fully collateralized, so there's no risk there. you will turn to almost the back of the report. This is the third report that we issue. It's the independent auditor's report on the federal programs that we test >> under that same section. >> Um >> is that under the federal compliance tab? >> Yes. >> So the programs we did test for child nutrition and title one. Um you'll see on the second paragraph of the report we say in our opinion the district compiled in all material respects with the compliance requirements. Um so we didn't find any issues in that single audit test work and then
005that's there were no findings this year so I have nothing else to report. >> Okay. Does anybody have any questions? Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> You want all the rep reports back or was that our former treasur always wanted our >> We can we can leave them before you. >> It is. This is all public record. >> Did I sign my right form this year? Was it on time? usually. >> Thank you. >> That was the no findings. >> All right. Uh up next, example of ex educational excellence. You know, >> so tonight we're excited to welcome a group that recently went to Japan for the sister city exchange um program. Um I know Mrs. Samples came back and talked about what a lifechanging experience it was. I think for everyone that took
006part in it and they wanted to come tonight and share um just a little bit about their trip. Um and we're excited to have them. So, >> all right. Well, um I don't know a lot of Japanese, but Goyas, thank you so much for letting us come and speak to you today. Um, I want to start with arato goas to Jared Garrison because I know from the moment that he was brought in to the sister city program, he has really pushed for increasing the quality of the program and growing it. So, I know we wouldn't have had this experience that we had without him. So, thank you so much Jared. We really appreciate it. Um, this is a program that I don't think a lot of people know about and it's really extraordinary. Um, I
007haven't met anyone else from any other school, much less um, an EL specialist who teaches English language learners that their school district has given them this opportunity to actually go to a country where their students are coming from and see their schools and talk to their superintendent and find out more. So, this is another way that Marian Unit 2 schools are supporting our students. Um, and so with that, I want to show you an example um, of how we're having a global impact. So, uh, the moment I broke down in tears on the trip is when the Nishiawa family came to see us, um, and they have given me permission to share this. Um, our students that come from Japan usually are just here for three years, then they go back to Japan. And if
008John Fletcher were here, he could really testify to how hard we worked for this family to make sure the kids got what they needed. And then they went back. And of course, I didn't really hear from them for a year. and they contacted me when they saw us in the newspaper um in Japan and came and saw us for about 15 minutes, showed up in their Marry and Wildcats gear and then um she texted me as after we left and basically said, "Hey, everyone was so kind to us. Everyone was so supportive while we were there. It inspired me to come back to Japan and work with foreigners here." So now she's across the world teaching Japanese as a second language. Um, and so I would love to I would love to go through all
009the families and everything then follow them, but um, just even having this one family with this one moment >> was so fantastic. Um, the experience the adults had on the trip were significantly different because we did not stay with host families. So, we're really excited that four of our amazing kids are here tonight and they're going to tell you a little bit about their experience. So Annie gets to go first. >> And everybody should know on Facebook that your name tag is in Japanese. >> Yes. Yes. And um Kanye. So Connie means crab. That's most of the word Kanye. And so they lean into it. They have a little crab mascot. They have a crab ninja mascot. They gave us buttons. Um and we exchanged and they they were just wonderful. So um I'd like
010to point out that these kiddos have our new Sister City mascot on. Could one of you stand up and show the back of your shirt? So, we're we're trying to keep up with the cuteness. So, >> and you all have pins. >> Oh, >> already got them on. >> Yes. Wonderful. Thank you. All right, Annie, you're up. >> Nice to meet everyone. My name is Anist Anderson. >> My name's Aniston Anderson. I'm in 10th grade and I am so grateful to be able to experience what I did. It is completely life-changing. I completely I see everything completely different now. Like the world there is so different. Um but this is I had to do a project for English as well. So it's this was whenever we first got there. We all dressed up in yucatas,
011which is a informal version of a kimono, if you ever heard of that. And we all got to uh have a ceremony, welcome party with fireworks. And I have two host sisters that I stayed with. And they were the cutest and the sweetest people I've ever met. My entire family were so kind. And this is at the um sky the Nagoya in in Nagoya. This was a sky prominade there. Okay. So this is a little shopping mall and a shrine that is there. It has a like praying area where you would uh give your money and then you do a uh just like a ritual of praying and bowing to them. And then we also went to a light festival which is called the illumination. They have it every winter and it's just to celebrate
012the fall seasons coming and the weather getting colder. Everything there was completely covered with lights. It was beautiful. And then this is the awesome food that was there. I liked everything. I even ventured out. I've always been a picky eater, but trying all of their foods, it was still amazing. And the only thing I really didn't like was in that bottom right corner. It was like tofu. And I wasn't a big fan of the texture. And then I don't have many pictures, but the school, it was so cool to experience how different our school is compared to theirs. >> Tell them why you don't have pictures. >> We were not allowed our phones at all. And so they took them from us at the start of school and then we got them back. >> We
013got them back as school ended. But everyone like I felt like a celebrity walking through the hallways. Everyone was so kind and going out to speak to us. It was it was just amazing. But this is me in the top left corner. It was me with my family. We all had different yucatas on again. And then this was some of the parties and a castle that we all went to. And then this is the last couple days we were in Tokyo and so we got to take a bullet train there which was so cool. >> Um but this was on the Tokyo Tower and then at um the famous crosswalk there as well. And then that is it. >> What was your favorite thing Annie? >> Um The people definitely my family I still >>
014What did you like best about the school experience? >> Probably I liked they had like they all had they stayed in one class and then the teachers came to them but they had passing and I really liked being able to get out with the other people as well and Hello, my name is Issa and I'm an a senior in high school and I will be sharing my experience in Japan, please. Okay, so I sorted mine differently. I sorted mine by day. So our first full day was on Friday and the uh the city of Kanye, they actually took around the kids to different areas in Kanye such as like their shrines and like religious temples and we got to they taught us how to properly pray and they also we also got to make um
015amulets and they were blessed by a priest or Buddhist priest which is really cool. And they also fed us curry and food. And then they took us to like different spots around like we went to a foot bath which was also cool. And then we got to see the fire department that day. But these are just photos from that day. We spent a lot of time together as a kids with a group of kids with each other which I didn't really expect. I was expecting to just stay with our family and just be like closed off from everyone and until like we go to Tokyo which is really cool. So, so on Saturday, um, my family took me to Nagoya, which is, I think, the fourth biggest city in Japan. Um, they took me to
016a whole bunch of sightseeing areas such as the Nagoya Castle and I got to try a whole bunch of snacks. And then that day, we also had our welcome ceremony, which the city of Kanye hosted and introduced us and welcomed us to their city, which was really awesome. Um, and then we also had a an afterparty and they fed us a whole bunch of food which was super super delicious and I really appreciated it. And as Annie said earlier, we they dressed us in yucatas which is like traditional Japanese wear. It's usually like worn in the summer cuz they're more like cut like she said kimonos. Those are worn in the winter cuz they're heavier but they dress this and you cut this since it was warmer weather over there. And then after the ceremony,
017um, my host family actually hosted a firework party at their house because they own a shrine temple and they have a very big yard. So, we were able to gather up and play with like sparklers and fireworks and experience how they celebrate firework parties, which is really cool. So, on Sunday, my family actually wanted to take me to Kyoto, which is another big city in Japan. It's about 2 hours uh away from the Goya or like Kanye and I was really appreciative because I was such a far drive but they really wanted to take me there and experience all of their culture in Japan but um my host mom uh Miko she was like she knows a lot of history and she was able to tell me about it although she didn't speak uh English
018I had a sister-in-law well her sister-in-law and she studied English in college. So, she was able to translate a lot of stuff for me. But they took me to see the traditional like they have their architecture there is very different. It was more historical and like wooden houses. You could see um the first like vertical like big picture. You can kind of see like the streets over there that we went to visit. And then there's like another like shrine temple area that's really popular and famous in Kyoto. And then we also got to try um making tofu, which Kyoto has a big a deep rooted like tofu history, which is really cool and it was super delicious to try. And then we just traveled to other areas. They also took me to a famous bridge
019called the Togetsu Bridge. Sorry, they were teaching me a whole bunch of Japanese words. I was trying to remember, but they took me all around sightseeing in Kyoto, which I really appreciated. And I just I love my host family. They're so awesome. So on Monday, this is the day that we actually went to visit the middle school and like Annie said earlier, um phones are banned there. So once we got on the school grounds, they took away our phones. So we don't really have very many photos of the school. The only photos we have were like from the adults who were visiting and like taking photos. Like the big picture is me in the music class with my class 3C. And then after we visited uh after we got done with the middle school, we
020had another party hosted by my family. And we made takoyaki, which is kind of like a ball like pancake with like uh like what's it called? Octopus in them. And also gyoza, which is kind of like a dumpling. And they just really want to feed us a whole bunch of Japanese food to like enrich us in their culture. And then we also got to write our names in kanji. The host sisters uh translate our names into kanji. We got to write that and we got to take it home which is really awesome. Okay, so on Tuesday, that's the day that we went to visit the elementary school and we got to do some more kanji writing over there. But after the elementary school, oh by the way, we didn't have phones there either because they're
021banned. So I only have one photo from one of our guides. He took a photo of me wearing the elementary school hat. But after going to the elementary school, they took us to Inyama and we got to see the Inyama castle. You could see in the big castle photos in the very middle group. And then we also got to try a whole bunch of like Japanese foods and they had like a downtown street and we got to walk down. It was really cool. They had more kind of traditional buildings but it's also kind of like touristyish. It was really cool though. >> Oh. Oh >> in the left that on the left there. >> Probably because there's someone's head in the way of the sun. >> Oh, yeah. Tokyo. >> All right. >> They spoiled
022her. >> Okay. So, our last uh so our last full day was Tuesday and then Wednesday we left to Tokyo and we spent like a day and a half over there and we just got to see a whole bunch of sightseeing such as the Tokyo Tower and also like a whole bunch of shrines and we got to see the Shibuya crossing and we went to Shinjuku and tried other stuff. And then we also stayed at a hotel and we went to an onsen which is a really cool experience. An onen is a bath house. In Japan, it's uh pretty uh common over there. Public bath house, which is a really cool experience. But yeah, that basically sums up my Japan experience. Thank you. >> What was your favorite part of the school experience? >> School
023experience. >> How they did school there? >> Um I liked how their um class stayed as one. It's kind of like elementary school where like you have a class for the whole year. Um, I think it's cool like in America how we like all have different like schedules and stuff, but in Japan they're like classes like for example 3C, which was the class that I stayed at, they were very close. Um, I was actually able to keep contact with a lot of the kids in my class because I was able to get their like social media, but I always see them posting like as a group. They go out to like Korean barbecues and they all hang out like after school and stuff like that, which is really cool to see how close they are
024as a class. So, I really enjoyed that about their school. >> What's your favorite part overall? >> Overall, I loved my host mom's cooking. Her breakfast was absolutely amazing. I wish I could recreate it. It was so good. Favorite part of my day. >> Hello. Okay. Um, my name's Ian. Oh, oh, okay. I also went to Japan, obviously. So, okay. So, >> I didn't do a slide on um the class in the school cuz didn't have our phones, which frankly that was the worst part about it, but it was very cool. They called me gold hair boy, which cuz there I was the only blonde person there. I'm not even blonde though. Um, but uh >> dishwater. >> What? >> Dishwater blonde. Okay. Okay. Um, the food wasn't really that good at the school, but
025they also brought in like a little cart and had food in there. Okay. Anyway, I don't have a slide for that. This thing is weird. How do you do that? >> You have to make sure the sensor is Someone's probably sitting in the >> Okay, so this is my host family, the Okimura family. Um, very nice family. They they treated me like one of their own kids, which is very cool. But I'm a lot bigger than all of them, which was funny. Um, so on the left is me and the host brother that was at a shop in Nagoya. And then on the the middle one is on the last day. This is the last picture they wanted to take with me. And I felt bad cuz I wasn't crying, but they were all like
026balling their eyes out and I just kind of s I don't I don't want to like fake cry, but I don't cry that a lot. Um, uh, the top right, we went to a sushi restaurant, which is really cool. I could explain it for a while, but I don't want to. No, like we don't have enough time, but >> very good. It It tastes really good. And then me and my host brother, we played a lot of Mario Kart and I learned a lot and I beat them a lot and it was really cool. And then we ate like a strawberry dessert. Okay. Food. I really like the food there. I told them in my bio that I sent them I liked food and they they helped me out with that. Um so let's see.
027My favorite thing was in the bottom left. You can see that's um called oni giri which is a rice ball and it's more like a rice triangle but that doesn't sound that as good. So basically it's it's literally just rice seaweed and then you can put stuff in the middle like tuna and then my host family made it a lot as you can see in the top right. But they made a lot of stuff. They asked me one morning they were like hey do you want wagyu tonight? I was like obviously. So that's what they made. They made that in the bottom. They said put wasabi on it and it was really good. Um, and then they also made like a lot of rice for for breakfast, which I didn't think would be good, but
028it was. >> Um, here we go. Here's random pictures. So, this is whenever the one on the right. I'm just going to do that one first. That's Jada sleeping on the bullet train. And you can see Angelo in the back. He's also sleeping. Um, but so the top is the welcome party. And the the Do they have any like affiliation with the town? Were they just like old ladies? >> I don't remember. old ladies of >> a women's group >> women's group of Kanye they came dressed up as crabs and they gave us little bags and it was really cute u my family had a little dog um it was chocolate but they didn't say it was chocolate but his name was chocolate and then that's whenever I made on giri and it was really
029good in the morning um here's with me my host family and Lexi's host family another girl that went and this is Nagashima it's a huge theme park like holiday world but twice as Um, here's uh the last meal we had in all of Japan was McDonald's, obviously, and it was really cool cuz it was $4.50 for that entire Big Mac meal. Not both of them, but you get the point. It's really cheap. And then the bottom is uh Shaboya Crossing, which biggest crosswalk in the world. Very cool. Thank you for your time. I like how I was never hungry. I didn't start a single meal when I was hungry. I was always >> All right, last one. Last one. >> They saved the best for last. >> Oh, yeah. Okay, so this is my experience
030while I was in Japan. First off, uh, last time, last presentation, I didn't get to say thank you to Jared and Joanna. Uh, yeah, you guys played a big role in this for me. Okay, so this is in Nagoya. The top left there, it was like a little like farmers market and they had a bunch of food there. It was really, really good. Uh, this is just pictures of me and my host family. They're really, really nice and I still stay in contact with them. Okay, so these are two of like the bigger cities, Shabuya. Oh, Shabuya and Tokyo. Uh the bottom middle one, that's Tokyo Tower. Kind of looks like the Eiffel Tower, which I think is amazing. Uh one thing I like about the big cities and just Japan in general is everybody
031stays themselves. Like nobody comes up and talks to me unless they really need it. Okay, so this is just uh Kanye, the town that we stayed in. Uh these are just some of the scenic pictures that I got. >> And there's Jared. >> Oh yeah. Uh uh we we we like to make jokes about Jared during the whole the whole trip. Uh I have a whole lot more photos in my camera roll. Uh so these are some of this random pictures. Uh those two dudes uh in the middle top and the side, those are some of my friends that I made at the school. Uh at the school, I I didn't think it would be like how the kids are here, but they're just like the teenagers here. Uh we were in the library and
032the kid on the top there farted really loud and we're all like squirming around trying not to laugh. Uh yeah. So, and then in the bottom there, there's a there's like a maid. It's like a maid cafe. And then there, you know, you can like poke the hole through the thing, get the picture. My host brother is through there. I had to get a picture with him. So, yeah, that's that's pretty much it. Oh, my fa my favorite thing uh is probably like the bonds and like friendships you make while you're there. I still stay in contact. Uh there's not a kid on there. There's a kid named Sora. Uh, I I play Fortnite with him. Yeah. I stay in contact with like all the friends and host families there. I really like the bonds
033that you make. >> What's the time difference? I was about to say playing Fortnite with >> Huh? >> What's the time difference? >> Oh, one of us just has to stay up like really late. So, >> up really early. >> How many students did you take? Um, we took seven Marian students and uh, we wanted to take more. There were so many kids that applied that were incredible. Uh, but I have to brag on the kids that went. These are the best of the best. They were all great sports about everything. Um, they're all smart kids. They're all very respectful. Um, they obviously brought back different memories that I was not expecting them this year. Um, that's okay. Um, I did want to point out, um, so Becky graciously wrote a letter to Superintendent Hideo,
034the man on the top left, and, uh, I got to read that and have it translated and it made Jared even emotional. So, um, we were all very touched by your letter. Um, and he actually wrote one back to Becky. Um, and we also took them one of the Marian blankets, which they really, really loved. Um, it was such an amazing experience. Again, I'm so grateful. Um, I would love to see the rest of you get involved in the sister city committee somehow. We could just take all of you to Japan. It'd be amazing. Um, because it really is a different thing getting to experience it for yourself. But, um, I do want to say arato goas to all of you for making that happen for supporting our students so that they can go without
035having to take sick days. Um, and again for the opportunity for me to go. It really was a once in a-lifetime and um I'm excited to go back to Japan someday, but like they said, we were treated like celebrities. I know that I probably won't be that cool ever again anywhere else. Um but my goal is to go back and perhaps visit some of them again and maybe hit up Disneyland Tokyo this time. >> Is this the first year we took students here? >> No. >> Is it every is it every other year? >> It is every other year. So, >> we're looking forward to potentially August of 2026. It's not finalized yet. Um, the students from Japan and some adults will be coming here. >> Oh, great. >> So, um, if someone wants to
036get involved, if a student from Mary wants to get involved, do you guys have like a website or a Facebook? >> Yes, there is. There is a website. >> They can just email me >> and they can email Jared. Um, we have an application process and uh, again, we had a lot of kids apply and so many we wanted to take. We are limited on spots. So they did have to come in and interview and there was a point system. So >> you guys go every other year. Jared, I know >> every other year over there and then they >> they come on. >> Yes. >> Jared, did you have something you wanted to add? >> Well, I just want to give a brief history of the program. >> Oh, absolutely. I'll turn it over
037to you. >> Marian Chamber of Commerce program and I've been in charge of that program now for several years. I forget how many. Maybe I don't know, seven or eight. We're we are working very hard and very diligently to grow that program. Uh and then Mayor Abshire was able to go over to Japan two years ago. U you know when the big boss as they say sees the program firsthand um it makes it easier to start to grow the program even. So that was an enormous milestone to get him to go. >> Um and then since then he has able to find some more funding. So, the school district did not pay for the students to go, just to make that very clear to everyone. The students were self-funded uh a small portion of it
038and then the city of Marian paid a very large portion of their air. 50% uh is what the city paid. If the kids agreed to do some community service, the city paid an additional 25% and then the kids and their families paid for the additional 25%. So, I just make that really clear for all of the taxpayers. >> That was not your money then. >> Well, if I could add to that real fast, we also had um professional development grant dollars that we had available to us and that's how we were able to pay Joanna's way >> and that um leads me into that which is perfect. So, that was an enormous uh another enormous milestone was to have someone from the school district be able to go and represent the school district. Uh and
039that speaks volumes about our administration here and the support that that they gave the program for that. So, uh on behalf of the city of Marian, I want to say thank you to Becky and to Lindsay and the school board for allowing it for Joanna to go. That was that was really huge. >> How many students do we have students do we have? >> Um so, currently in my program, we only have one. They do come in waves and they they kind of have a schedule, but >> they all come from I assume. >> Um, usually yes. I'm trying to think if I've ever had one that hasn't. Um, but you know in Marian we have kids from all over the world. I have students from Japan, China, um, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Mexico, of course.
040You'd be surprised. Vietnam. We had some kids from Bosnia move in a few years back. Um, and they've moved on since to St. Louis. But >> imagine that >> it's really interesting that we have an area that traditionally wasn't this diverse with people from different backgrounds um and different countries. Um but we really have become more diverse. So I would love to go to all of those countries and learn um I I do actually speak Spanish and so I and I did study Spanish in college so I I know a lot about that. But it's really interesting to learn more about my Japanese students and um other cultures. is when our Bosian students moved in, I said, "Oh, I have to learn about that culture." Um, so I think it's fun to tell people because
041not everybody knows how diverse Marian is becoming. And I also really like to brag on Marian because we may not have the resources of a big city, but I can tell you the teachers work their butts off to accommodate for these students and support them. And the other students, >> yes, >> work so hard. like there's such a positive culture that we even have students that come from other towns in southern Illinois and move here because they're like it was not welcoming there and they come to Marion and they're so excited. So that that testimony at the beginning like that isn't just one family. I know that all of the students that come here um other students reach out to them and really try to include them and make them part of the Marian community.
042How many kids are in your program this year from all different >> Okay. So, um I have 32 across the district. So, I provide English services for all those kids. We have more kids than that that speak other languages. Those are just the kids that qualified. Um they take an initial screener to say, "Okay, English proficiency is not there yet." And then I work with them on their English proficiency. And eventually the goal is to pass the annual test that's coming up in January and February and graduate out of my program. So I get to provide support to them as long as they need it until we hit that proficiency >> and and then you know and then I still monitor and make sure that like the kids who are still here like are doing
043well. Um but yeah and the kids from Japan um I never worry about them too much. They they do come to school five days a week here, but they also go to Evansville, Indiana on Saturdays to get their Japanese school, so they keep up with schooling that way. >> Very good. Congrat. >> Thank you. >> Also, just really quickly, I just want to say, so the program started 15 years ago because of >> Yeah. >> Um the mayor of Connie Japan was best friends with the CEO of at the time. So when opened the factory here. Mayor Yoko came over to support his friend with this big endeavor of opening the factory in Marian. And Mayor Yoko fell in love with Marian and the community. And at the time, Mayor Butler and two mayors then
044struck up a conversation about developing the sister city program. >> Thus, it developed they officially signed the sister city agreement in 2010. So, this was the 15y year anniversary. Every year we make improvements to the program. Um we started an interview process. It's we had a hard time getting student interest before. U luckily now with word of mouth right we have more student interest. So we started a interview process and application process and we had 12 students apply to go to Japan. Um >> because of funds you know we can't unfortunately we couldn't take 12 but the city was able to cover seven of those. That's pretty huge. It was very hard to narrow down from 12 to the ones that got to go. But we had a an interview committee and we did a
045point system and then we had someone who was not on the interview committee tabulate all the points. So it was a very fair system based on that point system >> and that's how the kids were selected. And I will say for the public for all of the kids, even the ones who couldn't be here today, we did have an amazing Thank you for representing Marian so well. We really appreciate it, guys. >> And with the exception of Ian on the last day, there wasn't a dry eye when the kids left. >> That's probably why. Will you share with us the rest of Jer pictures you haven't >> Well, thank you for just even having the courage to do something like this, you know, there are plenty of folks that never leave their their communities or
046their region. And so for you to fly halfway across the world and be even willing to do that and learn about a new culture and then bring that back here is just a testament to your your your desire to learn, you know. So I'm glad that we've got a great group going over there and representing us well. And Joanne, I've known you for years and I I'm just so thankful that our district I'm so thankful that our district, you know, got you. I was there in the very beginning and so >> I did not pay her to say that. >> No, I know. But um you know I think I can't remember I mean we had like over a dozen countries represented at Lincoln when you first came over and so um yeah no just
047>> yeah I just want to appreciate you for all of your hard work and everything that you do for our students. So >> we we are very fortunate to have >> Yes. For sure. >> Something real quick. >> Yeah. For the teachers one thing that I like uh not not just uh but the teachers are very very like interactive like all the we do is like very very hands on and that's something I really like about the school. >> No packets. >> Good to know though. That's good information. >> Well, thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Okay, one big Let's give one more round. >> Thank you. Okay. >> Um, next on the >> Okay, next on the agenda is audience to visitors. >> Okay. Nope. MEA. Nothing. All right. Okay, we're going to
048move to the consent agenda. >> Madame President, move to approve the consent agenda is presented, including the minutes of October 2125 regular meeting in close session. October 2925 special meeting in close session is presented, the October supplemental bills and November bills as presented and the donations as as discussed by Miss Moss. >> Okay. Second. >> Uh for donations, we have LOL Anderson to all elementary schools, Kroger gift cards valued at $5,000, and Walmart to all elementary schools, coats, hats, and gloves valued at $250. >> Did I hear that second down there? Yes. Okay. >> Um go ahead. >> White. >> Yes. >> Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Waller, >> yes. >> Moore, >> yes. >> Okay. under old business. >> M madame president, I move we approve the uh administrative leave with
049paid three-year agreement as presented. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Okay. Go ahead and call. >> Bundren, >> yes. >> Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Waller, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Moore, >> yes. >> Okay. Under new business, personnel recommendations. Madam President, I move to approve the following personnel recommendations as presented. Employment coach and Carrie Jackson, Marian Junior High School head bowling coach, effective for the 2025 2026 season. Austin Hammonds, Marian Junior High School head golf coach, effective for the 2025 2026 season. Sarah Gordon, Marian High School head forensic speech coach, effective for the 2025 2026 season. Haven Lawrence, Marian High School volunteer, softball assistant coach, effective for the 2025 2026 season. Jade Napier, Marian High School volunteer girls wrestling assistant coach,
050effective for the 2025 2026 season. Brian Mattinger, Maran High School volunteer boys wrestling coach, effective for the 2025 2026 season. Dyson Roy Maran High School volunteer boys track assistant coach effective for the 2025 2026 season. Reassignment Stephanie Balker uh reassigned from Mary Junior High School. Cook to custodian at Mar Junior High School effective November 19th, 2025. Janet Lindsay reassigned from Mar Junior High School custodian to Cook and Mary Junior High School effective November 19th, 2025. Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? Go ahead and call roll. >> Uh Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Wire, >> yes. >> Waller, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Vendren, >> yes. >> Moore, >> yes. >> Madame President, I move to approve the following personnel recommendations as presented. Retirements. Diane Simmons Cook assigned to Mar High School
051effective at the end of the 2025 2026 school year. Tim Foster maintenance effective December 31st 2025. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Wesley. >> Yes. >> Liar. >> Yes. >> Lawler. >> Yes. >> Wford. >> Yes. >> Bund. >> Yes. >> Garrison. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. >> Madame President move to approve the annual district audit that was presented at the Okay. >> Second. Uh, any discussion? >> All right, let's call >> yes. >> Lawler, >> yes. >> White, >> yes. >> Bundren, >> yes. Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Moore, >> yes. >> Okay. Do you want to talk about that before he makes the >> Do you want him to recommend it or do you want to discuss? >> It doesn't matter. >> Okay. It's the report on shared
052services which is actually part of the audit but as us in our work district on our website with our special education co-op. So the same way county education services services. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Madam President. Approve. Move to approve the report on shared services as presented. >> Okay. Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Go ahead. >> Waller. >> Yes. >> Whiteford. >> Yes. >> Bren. >> Yes. >> Garrison. >> Yes. Wesley. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. All right. Now, >> the levy. So in your folder and also in your packet like I said is also going to be on our website in the tax levy process we have to estimate the dollars amounts for each fund that are high enough to allow us to secure any new growth. each year and
053we have to file our tax levy with county clerk five to six months before we actually know what our tax extensions will be seated. The most important thing to remember tax levy is that we have to adhere to the property tax extension limitation laws for existing property. So pel allows the growth in extended taxes of the lesser CPI from the previous December which in this case is 2.9%. So we either get 2.9 or 5% whichever amount. So we're guaranteed at least 2.9% of growth in taxes on the existing gov less than % new property coming on property that sells for more than what it was previously allow. We estimated a 20% increase in this partic to help cover that. On page 10 is actually on page 10. So this is in the paper that compares
054last year's case last year was 25.92%. So legal document can't change anything. So the total amount of our levy is 41,516,000. It can't be published more than 14 days ahead of time or less than seven days from the public hearing. We will have the public hearing at the next board meeting which is December 16th at 5:45. is welcome to come on the levy at that point in vote. So even though I'm estimating 20% increase in EA, we're not going to get more than 2.9% increase on the extensions existing. So tonight um it's just minimized itary signs. County and Johnson County. So tonight I'm asking you to approve the resolution that has been presented to the board at least 20 days prior to approval. And so that's why we always present it in November December and
055then I'll take it to house Wednesday after meeting again. 54. >> So tonight you're only want to approve the proposed levy that not we're not approving. >> Okay. >> No. >> Okay. >> Madame President, I move that we approve the 2025 tax levy resolution is presented. >> Second. >> Great. Can you go ahead and call the >> Whiteford? >> Yes. >> Fund. >> Yes. >> Harrison. >> Yes. >> Wesley. >> Yes. >> Lawler. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. >> Madam President, I move that we approve the fiscal year 26 ISB makers grant as presented. >> Do second. Becky, do you want to talk about that just? >> Um, so that is just a grant that we apply for every year. It's $50,000. We have to match it at least. We're gonna um we have
056some HVAC work that we would like to have done at the Marian Junior High School. Lots and lots and lots of events in the East Gym and uh we definitely have a need Yeah. to have it cooled and heated. Uh so that is what we plan to use that towards. >> Okay, great. Any discussion, questions? >> Okay, go ahead and call a great plan. Yes. >> Garrison. >> Yes. >> Wesley. >> Yes. >> Wire. >> Yes. >> Waller. >> Yes. >> Wford. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next uh on the agenda is uh discussion regarding um live streaming board meetings. So we need to have some discussion about thoughts on continuing to do that. Jerry brought up uh several months ago, there's going to be an issue with saving that content and
057some of the logistical stuff behind that. And so um I wanted to bring that up at this meeting so we can have any discussion. If you guys have discussion and also let the people watching know that we're going to be making a decision regarding that. So if you have um a strong opinion about that, reach out to a board member uh and let your opinion be known. Uh any questions, comments about streaming live benefits versus >> I think keep doing it. >> I know a lot of people that do watch. >> Okay. >> I would like to add that based on Facebook rules that the videos will only be available for 30 days. Prior to February 19th, they were available indeely. >> Okay. >> Those prior to February been deleted. And now they delete each
058one. >> Okay. So it's up for at least 30 days. >> Can't you save it somehow? >> I mean you could save it and store it if we need. I mean rely on Facebook to ser on Facebook. >> That's what I mean. >> But I mean we could store it ourselves live stream it and save it. We got plenty of stories we can save. Well, based on the information I found, Facebook's result, they did this because of changing industry standards. We've also had the same instance happen with Google. We're starting to watch this a lot closer on our email accounts and our storage there. So, you can probably expect some things to happen with Google in the next year involving storage. >> So, things aren't just being out in the past. >> Would there be
059I'm sorry. Can I just say Absolutely. So Jerry and I talked a little bit too and I mean I think it's necessary if we if you whatever you guys decide if you decide not to live stream on Facebook um we have a we have talked about a plan to have an audio recording just you know in the event that Lola needs to make sure she knows how someone voted or whatever it might be we would have an audio recording and we would we would store those um in our hard drive. Is there >> are there any other districts that still live? >> I don't >> to my knowledge. No. >> Okay. >> I heard Jared you can live stream on YouTube. I don't know what the storage how that's going to work for that either.
060But you can live stream from >> there's a lot of required. >> Is there a need to keep it past 30 days? like if they someone wanted to watch it. I mean, would we have >> there's no legal reason that they'll there's no >> right. So if we streamed it and the community knew that they had 30 days to view that if they wanted to >> and it went I mean that's >> not a problem is it not being able to store it or >> I don't think I don't think legally there's video or live stream >> right there's not a lot of >> that's when it came about was >> everybody went back to meetings >> okay >> whatever you decide to do Facebook will only hold the video for 30 days. >> Okay.
061So, if we decide to continue to live stream, it would be I don't want to make it it would be my it would not be my desire to make it cumbersome and one more task to complete to store that and then someone have to add that to a list. So, >> I found on there on Facebook videos that have been stored and most of the recordings that were viewed were only viewed for two to three weeks after the event. Okay, >> that's that's good to know. >> Becky, you might make a note next time you're talking to Stephanie or something to make sure that there's no open minutes openings minute requirement that you know once it's we won't run a foul of that if if Facebook itself deletes it after 30 days. >> I don't
062think there is but >> you might talking about something just to ask I'm sure to come up. >> Okay. So, we'll just be thinking about that between now and the next meeting and then um if we could maybe just come to a consensus in December about what the board wants to wants to do regarding that. >> And real quick, Jerry, do you know how many views that we get during the live stream? >> It varies um depending on what's going on in the schoolboard world. Tonight I've been watching it only seemed like maybe six people watching and during board election time it's a lot easier >> most the numbers are not real high >> but I guess that doesn't reflect sometimes you get home and you can go back and look at it >> tell
063you that >> that's just viewing it live live. I mean, people not watching it right now, >> but she'll go back in and watch it again. >> All games and other things, but they'll watch it later. >> Okay. Okay. Um, next on the agenda is chain of command. Uh, there was a >> Madam President, I move to adopt the chain of command chart as presented. Okay. Can I get a second? >> Second. Um, in the board packet, there was a flowchart for chain of command that we're going to add so that to the website. So, if people need to know who to contact about something, it's it's going to be in there. So, uh, any discussion regarding that? >> Okay. Go ahead and poll. >> Um, Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Wire,
064>> yes. Lawler, >> yes. Whiteford, >> yes. >> Thunder, >> yes. Moore, >> yes. >> Madame President, before we move the next, it looks like the new next two items are adopting a mission vision statement and board protocol protocol expectations. The only reason I say that before we do that is they're presented, but I was thought about, you know, we're even though we're all elected, we're really board members for the community. And I was thinking it would probably be best to put out the proposed new mission and vision statements and the protocol expectations on the website and let people look at it for 30 days and come back and vote on it because it really We're here for the community and maybe the community might have some question or concerns or inputs about especially the
065new mission and vision statements. That's just my thought I'd throw out there before we make a motion. >> Okay. Any discussion about that? >> Not against it. Not against the idea. >> Okay. So, we did talk about the new mission and vision statements that um we brought up and then we're the board is going to work on a project for setting our goals, >> board goals and um so so I mean I can speak just briefly to the new mission and vision statements. when we had the AI committee um we sort of came up with that to collectively um it was a group of us from all uh walks throughout the district. We had um every building represented and um admin teachers it was it was a collective effort. So um that was something that
066we felt like needed uh to be updated and that's what we came up with. So we I mean we can certainly put it on the website. I just was kind of giving the backstory of that, right? And we talked about I do think that the mission and vision is going to reflect the board goals. >> Do you think that there would there possibly be a change to that or >> I mean I that's up to you guys. >> Okay. Um do we have let's Can we do a do we have a consensus on whether or not we want to table this and post it or or vote on it as is? >> I'll just call advocate. We're elected as representatives of the community to make these decisions. >> Yes. >> So >> I don't think
067that it needs to be posted and ask them what they think. Okay. >> That's why they us. >> Okay, that's fair. Um I agree with you. >> Make a motion, J. So, anybody have any other comments? >> Okay. Okay. >> Do we want >> I mean, if I could say this, too, like I think your goals are different than the mission and vision. >> I agree. Absolutely. Think you're tied. I don't think I don't think so. >> The mission and vision is to make sure we're serving all students, right? >> Could you could you mention the vision? The mission >> uh Yeah, I don't have it in front of me, but >> I don't have it memorized. >> It was the >> I should have memorized. >> It was um educating >> tomorrow's leaders with
068innovation. Is that what I remember yet? I guess >> heart and innovation. >> That's the Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh, perfect. Marian Marian Community Unit School District number two inspires and teaches tomorrow's leaders through encouragement, engagement, innovation, and love. >> That's the one I was. >> And then the the vision, that was the mission. The vision is inspiring tomorrow's leaders with heart and innovation. >> And what about the board protocol? >> I don't see a problem with either of them. >> Okay. Madame President, >> I move that we adopt a new mission and vision statements as presented. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh, we had discussion. Would you like to call >> Wesley? >> Yes. >> Present. >> Waller. >> Yes. >> White. >> Yes. >> Bend. >> Yes. >> Garrison. >> Yes. >> Moore. >>
069Yes. >> Uh, the board protocols and expectations. We had a we had a representative and trainer from the Illinois Association of School Boards come down and lead a training for all of us um so we could be more effective in governing. And this is something that came out of that education. Uh he helped facilitate and create board protocols and expectations of the board of the superintendent and the expectations of the superintendent of the board. um and he codified that for us and then gave us that as a uh a document in in the hopes that we would adopt that. So that is what the board protocols and expectations are. Also in there is some uh language about communication uh between the board and the superintendent just to streamline things and make sure the expectations are
070clear. Would someone like to? >> Madam President, I'd like to make a recommendation that we adopt the board protocols and expectations as present. >> Second. >> Any discussion about the board protocols? >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Liar >> present. >> Lawler. >> Yes. >> White. >> Yes. >> Garrison. >> Yes. >> Wesley. >> Yes. >> Moore. >> Yes. >> Okay. Reports. technology. >> Okay. Maintenance. Okay. Am I next? You're next. Okay. Um I wanted to touch on a couple of things. In your board packet, you had a folder, a Google uh folder that I shared with you. It had all of our press plus policy and then our press plus procedures. Um, we use a we use a through IASB, the Illinois Association of School Boards, we we subscribe to Press Plus, which sends us
071policy and procedures for the school district. So, what I did is I went through um we felt like, you know, we've always had policy, but do we have procedures? Well, yeah, we have procedures, but are they in writing? And do people know what they are? So, I met with our administrative team um last month. We went through all of the the policy sections and aligned it with the procedures. And so we made sure that it made sense to all of us and um we felt like that was a step in the right direction to make sure that for instance if there is a bullying incident that um you know policy and procedure go hand in hand and that we are going about it the correct way and that we're all doing it uniformly. So that
072is something I wanted to bring to your attention. Um also our e-learning plan that's good for three years. Um you we adopted it or renewed it again last year. So um I just reminded principles uh today actually that you know we're kind of getting to the point where we may have some inclement weather here or there and um to remind teachers of what the e-learning plan is. So they are they have been reminded of of that. Um, I talked to Anthony about it today as well. Um, Wildcat Way, I just wanted to mention that we um are going to be using some of those funds to help start up um a pantry for the elementary students. So, we have um a high school pantry for students to to go in and and shop very um
073in a very private setting if they need items for their homes. Um, and we also do that at the junior high, but we have found that it's becoming more and more of a need at the elementary level as well. So, um, I think we have a couple of, uh, principles who are working on some donations that's going to go into the Wildcat way and then we're going to use those funds to start up a pantry for the elementary students. Um, and then last but not least, >> yes. Is that going to be at every school? >> Um, we are still working through that. We think we're going to have a centralized location because um but we're not we're not we're not exactly sure how to do that. Space can sometimes be a >> but I
074think we talked about Washington um having it there and then social workers and um admin going and getting what is needed and providing it to the students. Um, and then last but not least, I just wanted to mention that it is board member appreciation month and you all have a very thankless job, but I want to say thank you out loud to all of you. Um, that I appreciate what you do to serve Marian. Thank you so much. >> And thank you to our culinary arts students who made great >> for this evening. >> Okay. Um, Miss Lindsay. >> Okay. Um I do want to share in my report I gave you all some information about um summitive designations and they were all released um October I think 30th. And so I just want to
075say out loud like our schools do a tremendous job um working really really hard to make sure that our students are progressing academically. Whenever I run all of the reports to look at kind of our proficiencies in in math and ELA, um it's really amazing um just how how well our students do and how how hard that um that test can be for a third grader. And to see that like 72% of them are proficient in math is pretty amazing because it's a really daunting task for a for a little one. And then in the high school, you know, we have made a switch to we went from the SAT and now we're back to the ACT. And so, um, the state of Illinois is always changing things and right now we're still kind of
076chasing a moving target and they're working to to make that better, but it's a pretty complex system. Whenever they go to make a school summitive designation, we don't get a district summitive designation, we get individual building summitive designations. And so at the elementary side, 75% of that is based on our ELA and math proficiency and then growth. Growth is 50%. Um, and the way that they calculate that growth is super complex and I'm not going to get into that tonight. Um, but I appreciate the fact that their work like they acknowledge growth because that's such an important factor because not every student's going to be proficient in everything. So it's great that they focus on growth. Um, but then um also impacts our summitive designations a lot is chronic absenteeism. And it's super important. Um
077it's 20% of our school summitive designation and um to be considered chronically absent, you miss 10% of the school year. So that's essentially like 17 or 18 school days. And so, you know, just for example, if a student takes a 10day vacation with their family throughout the school year and then they may take all four of their mental health days and then they get the flu and now they've missed 19 or 20 days, they're considered chronically absent. >> It doesn't matter if it's excused or not. >> It doesn't matter if it's excused or unexcused. Um, but that can really significantly impact. So those 20 points that we get essentially out of our hundred can really make a big difference. So like that's something I just wanted to because I I you wouldn't think if it's
078a excused absence that it should necessarily count against you, you know, if you're sick or whatever. Um and at the high school level, you know, a large piece of this is um uh graduation rate. And that's something that the high school has really been working through the last couple of years is really tracking. And it's not necessarily because our students aren't necessarily graduating. It's that if you have a student that moves out, if you don't know where that student goes, then they count against you. And so it's just kind of making sure you have a really good tracking process in place. So, >> um I just want to that out loud. We have teams um that are all working really hard. There's a new spark collaborative through the um regional office of education that's kind
079of putting some improvement teams together across the whole county and our whole roe region. So I think um all of our buildings have signed up to take a team to that just so they can kind of understand all of their data better to help with some of that school planning. So >> any questions about report card or anything? Okay. All right. Um, we are gonna go into close session, but >> Kim do hers. >> Oh. Oh, Kim. Treasurers are >> This is number three or four. >> He did. She did. >> That's not good. Kim, we do appreciate you. You put in a lot of work already. >> Yeah, I was gonna while you're finding the right one, um I do I do want to point out I it's always impressive to me every year
080how clear Kim makes the tax levy because it's such a complex >> animal and she does a really good job. >> She does. Yes, she does. report October 31st 2025 with 19783,484.37. We're a third of the way through the fiscal year 33.33%. Our revenue is at 12.41 and our expense at 29.29. Um we did receive a partial payment this month of the in the amount of 663,7 represents about 13.16% of our extensions first So that be great. Last year we got 51.76% the first payment check in that payment. >> Any questions? Thank you. >> Okay. Now, President, before we go to post session, >> Miss Wolford's always hear each month, and I think it should be recognized since she's here that she received the 2025 vision award at the Illinois Education and Technology Conference in
081Springfield >> uh for her work as a computer science integration team. So, I think since you're always here every week or every month that we and that we should mention to you that you received a state award from the at the Illinois Education Technology Conference in Springfield. So, congratulations. >> Thank you. >> And I don't mind saying that you're the be like you represent the best of what Marian has >> to offer. I mean this the um just to take the initiative for the grant and to get that ball rolling you know not >> you know not everyone takes that kind of initiative so >> exactly exactly >> yeah so just appreciate you so much >> okay we're can have a motion to go into close but we are not we're not going to um
082take any action after closed. So you want to stick around or not. So um can I get a recommend I'd like to make a recommendation to enter into close session for the purpose of personnel the purpose of appointment employment compensation discipline performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity and litigation when an action against affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed. and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal or when the public finds that an action is probable or imminent in which case the basis for the finding must be recorded and entered into the
083minutes of the closed meeting. >> Okay. Can I get a second? >> Second. Uh before um we call roll, just a reminder, the next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, December 16th at 6 PM, but the public hearing for the tax levy will be at 5:45 on Tuesday, December 16th. >> Yes. >> Bundren, >> yes. >> Garrison, >> yes. >> Wesley, >> yes. >> Waller, >> yes. >> Mo, >> yes. >> Okay. Excuse me. December