Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
The Morrison School District Board of Education opened on Monday, January 17, 2022, with a comment from Superintendent Scott Vance. He noted that the Board has had discussion and has “made no movement” to join the current lawsuit against the State of Illinois, regarding masking in the schools.
Upon the approval of the Agenda for the meeting’s action, member Dustin Damhoff questioned the Agenda item selection process. He was informed that the items were selected by an agreement of the Superintendent and Vice-President. Noting his dissatisfaction with the process, Damhoff dropped the inquiry, so the meeting could progress.
The Consent Agenda that was unanimously approved. It included the hiring of Kelly Holland, as the 7th grade Basketball Coach, and the resignation of Abbi Manning, as a Paraprofessional at Northside Elementary.
Technical Director Duane Schafer informed the Board of technical issues caused by direct attack on the MCUD system. His report reads, “These attacks are not meant to intrude our network or steal any information; they are simply designed to cause disruptions in connectivity.” As a result of the interruptions, an immediate change in the Internet Service Provider is in motion.
Vice President Jim Ridley stated the current shortage of staff being experienced in Morrison is an industry problem. The District needs to initiate a “Grow Your Own” program to surface and maintain staff and aides. A detailed Staffing Shortage Plan has been prepared by Superintendent Vance. It includes recruitment incentives; attendance and service longevity bonuses; tuition reimbursements. Acceptance of the proposed plan carries a projected cost of current employees by 2025 to total $270,801.
The final proposal will be an Action Item on the February Agenda owning an activation date of January 1, 2022.
Additional action taken included approvals of
• a $415,000 bid by Sjostrom and sons (Rockford, IL) for repairs and renovation to the MHS football stadium and track.
• the hiring of Tara Dykhuizen as a certified Art Teacher at Southside and Northside Elementary effective January 1, 2022.
• the resignation of Brett Chappell as the Certified Physical Education Instructor at Northside Elementary effective January 31, 2022.
• the resignation of Lorri Geddes as Guidance Counselor at Southside Elementary effective June 1, 2022.