001One more. supposed to say. How's that? It's just like a That's why >> I mean yeah I guess I can know how many to expect. I sat on the couch. I was like, I'm like No contact. Oh my gosh. I can see. She's Blue retired. I thought >> where was she at? >> She All right, we'll stand and say the pledge. To the flag of the United States of America. >> All right, we'll call the meeting to order. It is 6:30. Um, roll call, please. here. >> Mson >> here. >> Nelson >> here. Smok >> here. >> Yates and Bulma. >> We have a quorum. So, we want to number two. We had one person sign up for board comments. Does anybody else want to sign up or um I will read the public participation
002in board of education meeting. The board of education welcomes public comments during the public comment portion of the agenda. Those who wish to address the board should state their name and limit their statement to five minutes. Comments are not restricted to items on the agenda. However, comments regarding specific student discipline cases are not allowed during open session. Generally, these are these type of comments should come to the board only after they've been referred to the teacher, principal, or administrator who is closest to the situation. If all other avenues for resolving these items have been exhausted and the issue has not been resolved, you may request to address the board, usually during close session. In addition, please refrain from using derogatory comments about staff members or students at this time. So, we have Sylvia Greer as
003a public There's only one you you're supposed to only get five minutes, but I'm not going to time. >> She's just handing something out. >> Oh, no. But I'm just saying you got You're good. >> There's only one person signed up, so we >> Oh, so I get like >> Yeah, you get >> ample time. >> All right. Well, first of all, >> so about my day. Um, so to start off, I'm Sylvia Greer. I'm a prek teacher. I think everybody probably knows me here. Um, and, uh, what we did is actually the packet that you have, um, us prek teachers started off making this kind of just going over some key points that we wanted to go over about our building, uh, what we love about it, what we think fits for prek, and
004um, we added pictures in there of our class, our closet spaces in our facility that we have. And um but then I had a couple parents come forward with some letters that they wanted read. So I figured I'd hand that out and go out instead. So um I'll just go from here. So uh this is from a parent. When my son started preschool, he was very shy, timid, and quiet. I was a first- time mom and so scared to let him into the world without be without me being right there with him. After the first backpack night and seeing where he would be and who he would be with every day, so many of those concerns and fears were laid to rest. I got to see where my where he would be playing on a
005safe, secluded playground built for kids just his age. I got to see the big gym that was perfect for those days where it's too rainy or cold or just too hot for his little body to be outside. I got to see his big classroom with so many areas for him to grow, to become smarter and stronger. And it has been perfect for him to start to grow into his own new person. I got to get to know his teacher in Paris and he has gotten to learn so much from them. I got to know all the people that he gets to see on an everyday basis. He got to know them and love them. So, so much so that over the summer he would get so excited when he would see Mrs. Greer or Miss
006Pam out in public and then later would ask when can I get back to school and see Miss Greer and Miss Pam. I love them so much and I just miss them. My since my oldest son has been going to a school, I have often taken my youngest son with me to school events, meetings, and for drop off and pickup. And he has also gotten to know everyone from the teachers and the Paris to Miss Jod in the office, and everyone who works so hard every day to make sure that our little start their school career with the greatest experience possible. He will be attending preschool next year. Having the people and spaces that he already knows would do wonders and starting off his school career in the best way possible. These teachers and school
007staff see these kids every day. They are the safe place for our babies when they can't be there. They are the big smiles in the morning and the warm hugs in the afternoon. They know that these kids need and what is best for their education. By closing the Joy building, you are taking away half of that space. You are taking away half of what makes their day amazing. You will be doing our kids a great disservice by making their space to learn and grow significantly smaller. And by taking away the playgrounds and gym that are perfect for them. You will be taking away the people that our kids have seen daily and they trust and feel safe with by splitting them between schools. Not only will you be harming the kids, but you will be
008making the teachers job significantly harder. You will be putting them in a smaller space that don't work that doesn't work well, causing more chaos through the day. You will be making them choose what things they can and cannot fit in their classrooms, things that they use on a daily basis to help our littles learn to become great people. You will be making the staff choose which kids get to go to preschool and learn and which ones they don't have room for. The decision will affect teachers and kids for years to come. We don't know yet what these little kids will become, but we do know who helps them there and who is their safe space is when we leave our arms. These teachers want and know what's best for these kids. I think it's time
009to listen. and from another parent to whom it may concern. I am writing to share my deep concern regarding the proposed plan to move preschool students from their current early learning center into an elementary school setting alongside much older children. The early learning center provides for far more than early academics. It's a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment that has been intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of preschool age children. At this important stage of development, young learners require carefully structured routines, safe spaces built for their size and abilities, and staff who specialize in early education. This environment helps them thrive both academically and socially. Moving preschool into an elementary school environment presents several challenges that could negatively affect their growth and confidence. One, safety and well-being. Preschoolers are at a very different stage
010of development than elementary age children. They thrive in spaces tailored to their physical needs, social needs, and energy levels. Being a shared environment with much older students may unintentionally compromise their sense of security and safety. Two, developmental impact. Early childhood is a sensitive period for building social, emotional, and cognitive foundations. Research shows that young learners benefit from the environments intentionally structured around their developmental stage. Exposure to older peer groups could create pressures that disrupt their confidence, sense of belonging, and ability to learn at their own pace. Loss number three, loss of nurturing environment. The early learning center has been designed to foster comfort, encouragement, and individualized support. Relocating preschoolers into the traditional elementary school risk losing the warmth and specialized environment that has helped so many children begin their educational journey with joy and excitement.
011For these reasons, I believe that moving preschool an elementary school setting is not in their best interest. Instead, I urge you I urge decision makers to prioritize maintaining preschoolers in an environment that is specifically designed for their age group, their learning needs, and their overall well-being. Protecting the quality of early ed childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make as a community. Ensuring that preschoolers continue to learn and grow in a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate space will help lay the foundation for their long-term success, confidence, and love of learning. I respectfully ask that you consider this plan and continue to prioritize the unique needs our youngest learners need. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing dedication to the children and families in our community. Sincerely,
012Laura. >> And if you guys have any questions, let me know. I We're happy to help. And I know Becky probably answer any questions as well. I'll just >> Thank you. [Applause] >> All right. Any board comments? >> Um, we had number four, item number four, correspondence. We had a thank you from Karen Wheeler and family. Number five, approval of consent agenda. >> Yeah. One thing I'll just point out is because we don't do this very often, surplus vehicles. So the that's listed on the consent agenda gives the district the ability to discard seller there's a packet I don't think haven't been Does anybody have any questions about any of the items in the consent agenda? >> If not, I would entertain a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> All
013right. Rick makes the motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Lower second. Roll call, please. Yes. >> Nelson, >> yes. >> Smok, >> yes. >> Rick, >> yes. >> Lower, >> yes. >> Motion carries. 5-0. Uh, number six, committee reports. >> We'll get a few things thrown up. I'll let you talk the finance under building and grounds. Uh, just see the capital improvement planning update in the SL discussion items portion of the meeting and then we'll plan for a September October meeting. Um transportation committee uh we have a decent amount of transportation updates that we go through tonight as well and then we'll plan to convene sometime in September and go over the routes. And at the finance committee meeting, we uh approved the August financials bill list and reports. Uh approved a
014supplemental budget for the new Boston Elementary playground, which we'll discuss later on a little more detail. Um we approved the tenative budget to be approved at the September board of education meeting. Uh we approved the tenative school tax levy for the September board meeting as well. And then we appro uh approved a FY27 preK placement recommendation go over also during action items. Anyone have any question on the committee reports or anything to add? All right, moving on toformational discussion items. We have looks like one FOYA request. Um, basically the from the Quatis Foundation for Fair Contracting Trust to make sure I'm sure that we're paying or that builder was paying for wage on the on the projects. That was the only foyer request we had. Moving on to 7.2, academic academic improvement plan. Okay, I'll
015start with the FY26 district goals. Again, congrent with what we had for FY25. Five buckets. Student academic growth and achievement. Um, board goals continue to strengthen K through8, ELA, literacy, and mathcurricular instruction approach and continue to modernize our curriculum. Programs and services continue to strengthen social emotional student supports and increase targeted pathway based course opportunities. District and community relations, strengthen community invol involvement in schools and continue to solidify and expand branding. Uh facilities and accessibility develop and implement long-term capital improvement plan. Solidify security, safety, and district crisis plan. And under finance, develop and implement long-term budget levy projections plans increase operational efficiencies. As far as this year's administrative goals, just a refresher, um most of them are around uh behaviors. You trying to encourage positive behaviors and trying to stretch our students math skills at
016all levels. Um academic improvement planning. Uh so just five bullets uh similar to what we discussed back in July. Uh we are advancing to the amplified learning third edition. We are adopting Renaissance learning K12. Uh we are in the process we've started a K12 math curriculum review and and planning and piloting process. Uh we're working to increase cohesive or cohesion of grading policies and practices and we work to continuously improve instructional practices in the classroom all based around the administrative goals that are set at each building uh which are developed to offer the All right. Anyone have any questions about the academic improvement plan? >> One additional item I'll prepare folks for is state board has approved new cut scores for the Illinois assessment of readiness. Uh so it's going to look like more of
017our students are meeting and exceeding standards. Uh we will need to be cautiously optimistic and careful to measure our student success rates with others in our area. Not too celebratory. The increase in percentages increase in percentages is mainly due to changing customers. So more of our kids are going to be seen just because they're changing bar. >> I did correct. All right. 7.3 capital improvement planning update. >> Just a refresher of our summer projects at the ELC. The HVAC and domestic water downsizing uh was completed at Apollo. Security is complete. We still got a little bit of work to do in the kitchen to get everything set up the way that we would like. the new coolers in the new in the renovations to the area. We've received positive feedback from girls. Uh exterior lighting
018and landscaping are still on to-do list. Uh New Boston, the building's down, the prek classrooms are still on the to-do list. Parking lot, the playground still on the list. A lot of progress has been made on the playground. Huge thanks to the down there. The labor was all free which allowed building the district to get as much equipment as we possibly could for the kids with that savings. We'll talk a little bit more about that later on. At the junior high, security is complete. Uh still to do items, exterior lighting, landscaping, and some HVAC control work at the high school. Vocational HVAC think is running well, Mr. Lucas. Running well? Yes, >> good deal. Restrooms and water functionality are still its improve question improvement plating. >> I should mention one more item. The women's restroom
019at the high school. There's painting there. That's an area of known concern like that volleyball games coming up so won't get it done that quick but it's an area of concern. >> Uh 7.4 annual student enrollment update. >> Okay, there you can see our numbers for 2526. Um at the early learning center uh we have 58 students enrolled in prek. It's down from 69 last year and 77 in each of the years for sure. Uh Paulo's down a few down to 332 from 365 last year. Uh New Boston sitting at 160, same number they've been at the last couple of years. Uh junior high's up a few, high schools down a few. Overall total enrollment at this point in time is 1153. which is down from last year, but it's the same as it was
020in 2023 24. And if you look back to 2122 and below, um that number is our enrollment's higher than it was prior. A little bit there. So overall for the year down four and a half%. We were up almost 5% last year. Not bad news. Any questions on student enrollment 7.5 transportation update? >> All right. Daily routes are similar to last year. We have nine internal and four to five Johannes routes. We were able to keep that new Boston morning route um which we developed last year to try and cut down some travel time for some kids. I'm just refreshing yes to the table that we put together that added some sleep time for some of our kids and some of our families by making that addition. So, so far so good. At least we're
021able to keep that route. I want to thank uh Mr. Murray for pitching in and driving some routes for us. Uh we have some drivers who retired and based upon their retirement can't drive until after. So then they'll pitch back in. As far as daily routes, uh secondary update, uh we leveraged a partnership with Warren County Public Transportation to enhance the new Boston to illegal after school transportation. Uh what that means for those of you that don't know, we've got fifth graders that will participate in cross country in the fall, wrestling in the winter, and track and field in the spring. Um at least last year, we've had a staff member who was transporting them in their personal vehicle for us. Uh this year we're leveraging a partnership with Horn County Public Transportation uh to
022take fifth grade student athletes to junior high practice and add the opportunity for new Boston students to participate in the YMC after school program in Apollo. I believe next week we'll have at least one family taking advantage of that. And for folks who might be communicating if anyone's interested in the Boston area, sign up through the Y for the after school program and then let the office know that your child will be transported. I think we've I think we have a couple cross country kids taking them. >> They got there safe on Tuesday. >> All right. So far so good. Um we could in addition we've combined a couple quad city area routes this year into one. Uh you probably We've got different buses running, different yellow buses running around. So, minus a few hiccups,
023the new blue blueberg buses are running well. We're awaiting delivery of the two slightly used low mileage models that we purchased outside the supposed to come Monday morning. Uh we continue looking for ways to increase operational efficiencies and looking for ways to decrease student time. Awesome. Any questions transportation? >> All right. 7.6 IASB board self evaluation. Um for some of the new members you didn't go through this but we uh tab how long ago was that that came? It was probably eight years ago before co but uh the IASB has a workshop that they will come here and help train the board and old members and new members refresh our memories on what's board work and what's admin work and what we should allow admin to make decisions on what are our decisions to make.
024So, um, the training is $400. $400 and they come here, they do it all. It's one evening. So, >> no, she's retired. So, she gave me some dates. So, we'll add that to the end. We add that to the committee dates. We'll we'll figure out a date um that we can do that. She'd come up during the week. So it' be like a um I think she said it was about two two hours and she train us. So if anybody's interested in that, we'll uh we'll move forward a bit. So questions 7.6 FY26 budget. >> Okay, just a screenshot of where things are right now. since the tandem budget was approved back in in July. Continue to fine-tune um continue to analyze operational expenditures. Uh revenues are pretty solid. It's we've got answers from the
025state on most values associated with revenue that we get from the state and the federal government. And of course, the local tax levy that we approved last December dictates the local money that we get. Uh you can see operation funds uh on M We're at just over a million dollar deficit. The building fund a million and a half deficit. Important to note that uh a good portion of the building fund deficit is paying projects, you know, contracts for projects, no one-time expenses. And then the transportation fund uh has a deficit of $568,000. So I'll work to continue to analyze operational expenditures. um proposed we approve the final budget in September and approve the tenative school tax levy in September with the final school tax levy approved in December. Uh continue working to increase operational efficiencies
026and then strategically invest in the areas that provide the greatest return on investment. It's no I mean it's it's real. We we've got to figure out how to how to eliminate the deficit. It's probably going to take us a couple years to do so. It's work that has to be done. So, just continue to overcommunicate that we adopt the final budget in September. There will still more than likely be a deficit in the ED fund, but I hope to shrink it as much this year as we possibly can and then ideally. >> Anyone have any questions on the budget? All right. 7.8 mitigation. >> Okay. On Wednesday, August 13th, a potential mold issue was communicated to the district office. Our facilities director, Mr. Giles, went on site to examine. He reported his findings and recommendation
027to the district office. I toured the facility with Mr. Zizer and a few staff members who were on site. After consultation with Mr. Giles and Mr. I made the decision to postpone the start of school and close the building to staff. I communicated this to board members in our administrative team sent out we all called the students and staff and we turned our attention to mitigation. So Thursday, August 14th, Mr. Giles and I contacted a variety of specialists um after which steps were taken to improve the interior air. The heat was turned on to remove moisture. Chiller water temperature was lowered. Air flow was increased to impacted areas and filters in respective HVAC units were changed. Graves Environmental conducted on-site air sampling that afternoon. Blaze Restoration was contacted to conduct a site visit and I
028delivered some air purifiers to the high school that we had stored at the district office. On Friday, building custodians conducted on-site mitigation. Blaze restoration conducted on-site analysis and they were contracted to fog the following morning. Indoor air quality results were returned late afternoon. Um that's a screenshot of the table that we received. Those are the 22 areas that were tested. Um and the indicator is uh from an environmental standpoint uh they want to make sure the score count in any indoor area is lower than the outside spore count measurement. So the outside spore count measurement was 12,133 uh spores whatever M3 is. Uh the highest indoor uh reading that we had was room 110 at 5600. So all areas passed as far as the air quality results are concerned. On Saturday, Blaze Restoration Fog the
029area. Uh I communicated to the board administrative team that the building would reopen to staff at noon on Sunday and Monday will be the first full day of school and Mr. Giles continued to monitor onsite conditions. Something to note Um Doug Giles, he did a fantastic job, you know, working through this while also working through HVAC issues at other buildings and also helping with the playground in Boston to try and get that ready for school. He was working, I think I saw him at the high school Saturday at 4ish, he was still there. Um, and then Sunday, uh, he was here working on HVAC units, then came down, worked on the playground, and then believe it was was it last night, Monday or Monday night, we lost power. >> So, he was babysitting chillers all
030night until I don't think the the high school power came back on until maybe 2 a.m. or so. So, he had to get the chillers going. So, I can't thank him enough. time and effort being put in on this effort and all the others to try. Any questions on 7.8? All right, moving forward to action items 8.1 action on MCA collective bargaining agreement. >> Okay, so the union has ratified a three-year agreement that we negotiated. Um, there are some language updates, some stipend increases, an overall annual base pay increases of 4% the first year and then 3.5 in year two and year three. >> Anyone have any questions or discussion? >> I would entertain a motion to approve. Nelson. Rick made the motion. Nelson second. Uh, roll call, please. >> Nelson. >> Yes. >> Smack.
031>> Yes. >> Frick. >> Yes. >> Balmer. >> Yes. >> Lower. >> And Mson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. 51. All right. 8.2 action on supplemental budget for a new Boston Elementary playground. >> Okay. Here's the request. And I I'm making the request, I guess. So, uh the request is to allocate $50,000 of FY26 sales tax revenue to go towards the new Boston playground. I mean, just, you know, the buckets of of costs and work trying to pull it out. So, labor we've spent nothing on. Um, all been volunteered and the PTO has done the vast majority of the work during some pretty hot fiscal days. Uh, equipment, uh, we dedicated $140,000 of SR3 money to that. So, that was federal money that all you remember back it was given to us and then it
032was taken away and then was given back. So, that federal money did come through. Uh, we $6,815 for the flexport material and around $2,500 is the the estimate for the sidewalk. I anticipate that around that number. Um, so the it the real item remaining is the the turf for the ground cover for the area around the swing sets. It would be the northeast corner of the playground if you've been down there. So far, you know, as a district, we've been pretty fortunate. We haven't invested much money into this and it's a pretty nice playground. So, that would be my recommendation. And the the outstanding items that we still have to get done fencing, a good portion of that is part of the construction contract, but there will be some additional expense for some fencing that
033we took down in order to regrade some areas. So, all in all, If we allocate,000 nice for that. >> Anybody have any questions? I'd entertain a motion supplemental budget on the new Boston playground. >> Lower makes the motion. Is there a second? >> Balmer second. Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Palmer, >> yes. >> Mson, >> yes. >> Nelson, >> Yes. Motion carries. 6. All right. Action on FY27 preK placement. >> Okay. PreK classrooms will remain in the ELC this school year. Uh there you see our current enrollment based upon where they would be going if they were great schools this year. So full day we get we have 17 students that live in the Apollo area, 13 students that live in the Boston elementary area. Half day we have 14 students that live in
034the Apollo area, 14 students area. Uh I recommend moving prek to the elementary building starting with next school year 26 27 school year uh resulting in the reduction of student bus seat time as well as operational savings. Uh the table you see is pretty congruent with what I presented last year. To be conservative um I think we're going to save at least $100,000 annually in operation costs. My recommendation is I know when we closed the junior high, we moved the fifth grades back to the elementaryaries. That created a problem with the prek. So we moved them to joy and so the new Boston edition and the addition at the Apollo were built to house prek that was supposed to be a temporary fix and the longterm solution was to move them to the class back.
035Elementary. So, >> we get a copy of that >> copy of what >> of that picture? >> I think it's on the board. It's on our website. >> But how much of that like if we keep that gym open, how much of that will change? I mean, will those dollar signs stay the same? >> No. Will this projection stay the same? >> I still can't see it. But >> yeah, the answer to that is yes. This was designed with using the gym still in mind. >> That's where you see like 80% savings, right? Because you can project 80% of the time we're utilizing it for school right now. Maybe 20% of the time we're using it for athletics or fine art. Can I ask a question? So, we voted on this four months ago, whatever
036it was. So, anyway, bear with me teachers because um I'm learning. Um so, let me read this and then you can interpret this how you vote because I'm sure you know more about this thing. So in the context of parliamentary procedure and Robert's rules of order, if a motion has already been voted on, there are specific procedures to revisit or change that decision depending on the desired outcome and when the previous vote occurred. Here's a breakdown of the rules. motion to reconsider has to be done by the prevailing win of that. So, one of the I only know this because honestly this has happened already since I've been here. So, of the four people that voted on to to keep that where it's at, two of the four have to make the motion and the
037second for that to be revisited. And that's my understanding. If I'm wrong, I'm I'm okay with tableling this until we know, but I'd rather not get in a mess with Robert's rules and order. >> So, we can't vote on the buses >> the pre to shut years ago on the buses. >> No, I'm not talking about the buses. >> You can't bring that back up because >> I don't know. >> It's a question. Honest to God, this is a question. I'm looking to see what the motion was because if I remember correctly, the motion was to leave prek at prek for this. >> Could be. >> So, I'm gonna, >> you know, and but but what I'm saying is it it's just a question I >> No, I'm with you >> because the community is
038still very much up in arms and and I'm I'm kind of on the fence about this because part of me understands this and I understand the staffing that we have to keep them in joy. I'm totally on board and understand that. But I also question the split in that that all the arguments that were there before of losing instructional time by the transportation and moving these teacher back for is very alive and well. It's the same thing as it was a year ago. >> Do you remember what month that was? >> I don't because I don't. That's because this hap, you know, and and this thing was discussed in a finance meeting. So rather than it being a building and grounds and structural thing, it it appeared to me that it was about money because
039happens in the finance meeting and because it's Monday and and this is only Wednesday I it takes me longer to manage slowly. >> No. So in January Great question in January was on the agenda and here's the motion. There was a motion by Nelson, second by Wagner to approve preschool remain together at the Mercer County. >> So it wasn't wasn't specifically for that. >> May I ask a question? I see the mileage for the half teacher. Is that so the plan is to split that two >> inention >> currently. Correct. Okay. My concern is I'm just talking carefully consider the amount of paperwork and extra things that are done outside because I can just tell you from experience that the prek paperwork is it own different animal and it's nothing like position or elementary position.
040Um there is so much data that the state wants them to collect and it's my understanding that if they were to travel that lack of work is going to be very difficult position. You're cutting that time to get that paper. That's a huge concern. And I know I know that as teachers we all take a step home, but I've witnessed this for the last 11 years. The paperwork is just a lot. When you talk about this paperwork now, it's my understanding that you know like I'm old so way back when we had kindergarten get people ready for school. We now have prek to get people ready for kindergarten. So we rewound that a little bit. So school that we are required by the state to the kids kindergarten through 12. We require that. This is
041a is this or is this not a grant based program rather than required which is what initiates all that paperwork and they have many many things they have to adhere to to be able to keep that funding and one of them is the gross motor skills requirements that they do a fabulous job with that requires room and so they have to document that. Am I correct or am I incorrect? Yeah. Okay. I I don't want to misspe on somebody else's job because I am not a teacher. >> So, we've got two options. >> One, we can table it till we get a have our attorney review it or two, we make a motion and approve it and have our attorney review it. If they say you can't do that, then >> I got a question.
042>> Have you gone into the preschool classes right now in Apollo and seen them? Are they available? >> They are available. >> We've got plenty of room. Yeah. >> Yes. Um and we really don't have back and forth with with the community on this. Um there's there's there's a there's a K a kindergarten classroom that used to have a divider in it and is now one wide open classroom. Um so that could be two classrooms instead of one. Um there's other areas where we I mean when we built that we built that house the prek >> so it can be housed there. We're 30 less kids in Apollo this year than last year. So we'd be bringing in even less kids with the prek. So we'd still be under the number of kids that we
043had at Apollo last year. So um so but we we can't have this back and forth with the community. We can have it here. Um but those are our two options. So we can table it and bring it up next month after our attorney reviews it or we can I mean I'm okay. >> What I would say is there are specific rules around if a agenda item is something there was a motion made and it was approved. This is different language. >> What happens if Yeah, we would do things. We would come back to next meeting. So, I would make a motion to table it. >> There's a motion to table. Is there a second? Sure. >> Will there be a reduction in the number of prek students served by our prek program if we
044split the kids up and send them back to their home schools? You know what I mean? We have a lower student population for prek. I wouldn't anticipate that. We're not maxed right now. We could be maxed based upon We could be max sometime disappear depending on when people turn. I know historically this starter maximum number students So there's guidelines on how big the rooms are. So if the rooms are measured smaller, we wouldn't be able to have as many because our rooms are pretty large right now. We can have up to 20 students, but the YMCA can only have 15 because the rooms are smaller. >> Do we know what that would look like? I mean, what are >> you not just curious? I would I would be comfortable in a building a grounds meeting
045actually having a study and you know really looking at this rather than just throwing it on the table and over it. >> I mean there's so more questions. There's so many questions. I'm not an educator. I don't know the rules. I would I would love to have those answers so I could confidently even make a decision. I I know that we discussed it as building grounds committee before we built the two classrooms there and before we built Boston. So I mean the discussions were had um it's just they were temporarily there. This was the plan all along. But I mean there's a motion on the floor to table. So if somebody wants to second it, we can table it till our right. So everything that I've coming in, we've got rooms. We got prek rooms.
046That's what they have need to find operational. savings from wherever we can find them. >> Okay. So, I I don't want to be the argument who guide the tape. I definitely don't want to do that. But from a building a ground standpoint, I feel like there may be other options other than, you know, like right now it's leave them at Joy or split them between two buildings where they lose instructional time. Is would there ever be an option to like utilize like right now say New Boston was built? You have a kindergarten that you built two classrooms at half a million dollars for you used one. You have second grade same game you use one room built two. Um ECE that elementary there was two rooms built for that down there. So you have four
047open rooms. So, it would almost make sense to me if if it if they say it's better to keep them together, put them all in New Boston in those rooms and and that would allow Apollo not to be smothered or because I even though that attendance shows a drop in, Alita will in time grow and they're going to have more kids than New Boston will. It's just it's the way it is. But with that said, that would actually if you had a bus that and it would work. And that's why I said building the grounds would have made me happier with that. If you could have put those kids together in the new Boston, you wouldn't be moving the teachers around driving. They would all be together. You have four open rooms down there that
048somebody spent a lot of money on. And if you had other classrooms at Apollo that was crazy full, you would be able to have a bus going there so you could level out those classrooms a little bit. >> 10 minutes. They're already coming. they are come to joy. >> Well, I think that's part of the thing that actually joy >> because preschool kids didn't or preschool parents didn't want their kids on a bus >> and then they're going to bust them further. So then so bringing up the why then if you remember last time we visited that that was a concern of the why is very needed in the legal for parents at work. And so the argument was that if we had it in a legal that the parents would be willing then to
049send those kids to that school because it wasn't illegal and could potentially drop the YMCA um enrollment to where they could lose fun. That was only if we added another full talis. >> Well, she doesn't really have an opinion either way, but she said it backern. >> Another full day would take away pos. based on proposition that we have the entire considering having the entire population downt if that were the case what kind of impact would you expect that to have on the operational savings there there will there still be a reduction or not in your opinion and I realize that may take some some research if it does it's fine but I would anticipate there would still be some savings although I think the transportation savings would be less and we would encounter some
050folks who might have the kids go to Y instead of go to our prek program and then we would end up with fewer prek students potentially overall Anyway, I'm sorry. I think I asked you about seven questions. The question is, do you think that there would still be operational savings if we did that? say no more students join but we move the entirety of our prek population to Boston if there's room for that I don't know that's >> yeah in my you know just doing a quick analysis right we would save the the money that's allocated for electricity national custodial we wouldn't save transportation and I would estimate that personel pretty now as far as class We would need to the the item that comes to mind quickly, right, is we would need more classrooms
051with restrooms in two that are designed to be prekable. kindergarten restroom. Is there an insert for kindergarten? I don't know that for preschool we get docked because we don't have the state comes in for not having >> you don't have it where you're at. No. >> No, but they don't share it with anybody else either. That's kind of the concern. >> When you say dock, what does that mean? >> So, when they come in, the state comes in, they give us points for everything that we have to follow. They measure stuff. It's kind of a big deal. We still got even though we were docked for that, but um there's other programs that do not have them, but it's it's ideal to have a pair leaving the classroom because a lot of our students aren't
052toilet trained. So, >> are there financial consequences for the district being docked for those restrooms or anything or it's just >> you get an A+ or you get an A if you don't have >> I had a quick question. Um, have you all gone to the preschools while the children are there and see what they do on a daily basis? Yeah, not this year, but I have been there. >> I highly do that. I've been there with my son throughout the year >> and there is a lot going on and a lot that goes into it every single day and they need that space. >> We have a motion on the table on the floor for to table this. If there is no second, it will die and then we can entertain another motion. So,
053>> sorry. >> No, you're good. because I think that is actually going to but I would really be concerned about the half day transport. >> Sorry, Zach, we can't hear you. >> Oh, sorry. I was saying uh I think it's an interesting idea for everybody to go to Boston, but I don't think it's a great idea a half day to go to Boston. >> Would that cause problems? >> Yes. >> What what Zach saying like I don't understand a lot of this, but would that cause a problem if there was a half day? >> We already have buses running midday. just have to go further especially for those >> further north. >> So that would be a problem too. >> I mean we don't want to just have a couple more kids coming in. So
054actually >> All right. So we have a motion on the floor to table. If someone would like to second it, we can take a vote on the motion to table. >> All right. Roll call, please. >> Lower. >> Yes. >> Mson, >> no. >> Nelson. Yes. >> Smok. >> Yes. >> Frick. >> Yes. >> Palmer. >> No. >> All right. So, the motion to table carries. I would encourage the people that are here with lots to say to come to the building and grounds meeting that we have next and the finance meeting because this is not really the area that we should be having these conversations. So, we have those meetings and we discuss these things and no one comes. So, They will be posted on the district website. So, I would encourage everyone to
055come. We'll have our attorney review that last motion and we'll we'll make sure that we do things by the book. >> All right. So, that is all of our action items. Uh, administrative reports. >> Mr. Robertson, you want to start with a little update from Apollo. >> Sure. Uh we had our backpack night the other night. Um we had all but like 10 kids show up. So that was amazing. We had a ton of parents there. Um if you didn't see um hopefully you can go back on News Channel 8's website. They came and interviewed us this summer about our kindness club. They interviewed Mrs. Norton um and a few of our students. So that was great to highlight our kindness club that we started last year. And then we got the MCE grant and
056We're going to update our courtyard so we can make that a usable learning space. We're in the process of doing that. >> Miss Yeah. So, we had um Miss Berry, she's only 9 years old, but she has a daughter that's old enough to be Illinois Mercer County Fair came out and did landscaping. Um Skinner landscaping donated flowers for that up front. backpack. Really great turnout. Um, we had our building stations yesterday and then ended the day with an assembly. I've done a couple wardrobe changes since then. And I nailed what, four times, guys. Four times. >> We have video evidence. possible if you don't >> possible if you you know follow the rules. So um that was a really fun way to end the day and um ready to get into a first full regular
057day tomorrow. >> We had our open house last Thursday. Paris and teachers did a wonderful job um last minute since school was canled getting everything organized. Um we had a good turnout. I think 88% of our families attended the went through the scavenger hunt and got to see all the different uh spots in the building and the bus barn usually brings a bus over so the kids can get on there and they're not afraid that first day riding that school bus. Um we have 29 returners and then we welcome 29 new preschoolers and to be honest for the first three days it's really going well for our new ones. So it's going good. I know. I'm kind of on an emotional roller coaster about this impossible shot. I've been working on this for five years.
058She said that like my I got ideas how to do this. Mr. Nelson, I will be done for next. No, in our uh building, big shout out to our custodial staff. The work they've done in here to get our building ready for our our teachers and our kids. Absolutely awesome. Um open house. Uh we had over 95% attendance. People showing up in our building. It was absolutely packed through halls. everywhere. Parents um working on lockers. I mean the kids were working on lockers too. Parents were and then the other side of um like we've been in two days. A lot of new faces in the building. Just a lot of like scared eyes and where they're going and figuring it out. Junior eyes a little bit of a touch when you get in the building,
059but they're getting it down. No discipline is >> you got some big classes. You got big classes. 958. Okay, we're trending. >> Absolutely. >> Uh, a lot of the similar. Um, I think our back to school night was pretty good. I don't have specific percentages, but um, I feel like overall it was very well attended. Um, I I can't thank I mean, I'd like to just give an overall shout out to my entire staff, all of them. Um, I mean, we're in a big transition with a new principal. Um, I'm doing everything I think I possibly can, um, to help out. Uh, but I'm sure I've had shortcomings and they have given me that grace. Um, we're working as a team. So many people are helping me out. Um, helping us out. Uh, so I
060just thoroughly appreciate all of that from every single one of them. Um, the kids have been pretty good. A little bit of a honeymoon breakup today. Um, but, you know, it's all right. Not too bad. Um, We started our first day off. I think the kids enjoyed it with a pep rally like we have the last three day or three years since I've been here. Um with our cheerleaders and our band welcoming the kids. Um we played a little uh rock paper scissors tournament. Um seniors lost so that was epic. Um staff lost our volleyball game to the students. Um we made them come back with a little help from some cheating on the scoreboard. Um and despite the full day, our students still enjoyed a cookout um that our a department got done for
061us. So, I do want to just um I threw on a lot of extra stuff on that board report today. Um so, please take note of um I added the counselor corner um updates from Mrs. Staker and Miss Haynes. And then one other thing that they asked me to put on there, which they didn't tell me until I got here. Um we also had um in addition on our institute days uh they coordinated with Angela Hoffman, our Zello coordinator to have her come in and give some updates and teacher trainings because we're utilizing Zello um to help us uh with the CCRI and the PACE framework um like tracking that and keeping all that um up to date and raring to go for all the kids. So that was very beneficial for all the staff
062as well. >> Thank you all for the updates. Any questions for the board? >> All right, then I would entertain a motion to go into close session. >> I move to go close. Mson, is there a second? >> Lower lower seconds. Roll call, please. >> Nelson, >> yes. >> SM, >> yes. >> Brick, >> yes. >> Bomber, >> yes. >> Lower, >> yes. >> Mson, >> yes. >> Uh, come back at 7:45. >> Mrs.