Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
The relationship between the Morrison School District and the City of Morrison, relating to the upgrading of the Morrison Sports Complex, remained on the Board of Education Agenda. Public comments reflected the appreciation, that continued cooperation would be in the best interest of both parties and the youth of Morrison.
Superintendent Scott Vance reported the progress on upgrading the athletic track and retaining wall. He noted that the wall, track, and railing will be completed this summer; new fiberglass bleachers would be replaced prior to the 2023 fall sports schedule. Other old business items that received the approval of the Board were for the purchase of 20 new computers and monitors ($38,668) and a new PA/Bell system for the high school at a cost of $98,600.
The 2022-2023 Calendar was amended to show a November 8 closure, due to an Election Day mandate, and a final date of attendance to be May 24, 2023.
A Letter of Understanding between the District and the City of Morrison was introduced. Emphasis was placed on the needed improvements at the Sports Complex and the responsibilities of each party. Baseball diamond drainage, mowing, and game preparation will be recorded and absorbed by the District. Ag lime and chemicals for weed control will be absorbed 50/50 by both parties. A contract will be automatically renewed annually, to allow the District to compete in a season beginning on March 1 and ending upon the school year’s conclusion. The District will absorb any costs that may be forthcoming by future mandates of the IHSA. Conversations ended without clarification of the management of the concessions and various smaller-cost issues that require future discussion.
New Business items included:
a) Football Scoreboard to be painted by Morrison Athletic Boosters prior to the
beginning of the 2022 season.
b) Fifty-five sets of Home and Away football uniforms were approved for purchase ($7085.)
c) There was discussion of hiring new 5th and 6th grade Coaches for Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball was had; no action was approved.
d) New Coaches were approved for the 2022-2023 school year: Jill DeRycke (8th Grade Volleyball); Tori Eads (7th Grade Volleyball); Sean Ford (Asst. Football and F/S Baseball); Kim Snider (Softball); Shawn Swaim (Baseball); Nathan Vandermyde (Asst. Football.)
e) New Certified hires include Sean Ford (HS Social Studies); Sabrina Immundo (JH Special Education); Erin Morris (HS/JH Vocal Music); Kim Snider (HS English Language Arts); Chelsea Stuart (5th Grade.)
f) Lisa Tavitas was hired as Southside School Principal.
g) Rehires of Directors/Supervisors include Duane Schaffer (Technology Director); Kyla Hanson (Fiscal Director); Lynelle Criss (Food Service Director); Steve Bechtel (Systems Administrator); Jon Heusinkveld (Faculty Director.)