Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
Attendance at the Morrison Community Unit School District #6 Board of Education meeting, on November 13, 2021, presented the typical numbers (15-20) at meeting, since the District changed location to the Farm Bureau building, 100 E. Knox Street, Morison, IL.
Opening visitor remarks focused on Charlie Melton’s opinion, that students should not have to dress in an environment that causes embarrassment to the student, when they prepare for class by changing into uniforms. The feeling prevailed that uniforms should not be mandated, in order to eliminate the potential embarrassment.
A second visitor submission by Jennifer Vander Molen asked the Board to consider submitting a 150-signature petition to join the building law suit against Governor Pritzker, related to masking guidelines.
Entering into Board activities, the Consent Agenda approved hiring Amber Nickel and Brittany VanDrew as Cafeteria staff, and Bob White as a volunteer member of the MHS Wrestling staff. It also included the resignation of Kristina Hamm, a Northside School Paraprofessional, and Tim Stout, an Assistant Coach on the Morrison Football team.
Superintendent Scott Vance reported an enrollment total that surpassed last year’s by 21 students. Also, there was an addition of two students over last month’s reported number.
The Board approved a tentative Tax Levy, which is the smallest increase since 2011, and an Abatement Resolution that totaled $403,679.
Current emotional stresses caused by social media options has required the District to create a Social Emotional handbook. It will be offered to the Board for approval at next month’s meeting.
New hiring of certified staffing included Joplin Sell as the 2021-2022 Play/Musical Supervisor, effective immediately.
In closing Action, the Board approved the release of 47 250-GS laptop computers. Students who were last assigned their computer were given the first option to purchase, before releasing laptops to the public.
On Monday, December 13, the next MCUSD #6 Board meeting will be at the District Office, located in the Farm Bureau building, 100 E. Knox Street, at 6:30 p.m.