Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
When is enough…enough? That was the emphasis of inquiry that opened the September 20, 2021, meeting at the Morrison Community Unit District #6 District Office. Six citizens signed up to make comments to the Board of Directors prior to the monthly meeting. Failing to mask–even though the facility is signed asking for masking compliance–those six citizens were allowed to voice their concerns with School District issues. These included masking mandates; student interactions against transgender students; uni-sex restrooms; quarantine guidelines; sanitation of swabs used for testing for COVID-19. The frustration and impatience caused by the changes mandated by the law and health officials definitely fueled the comments from the visitors. Protocol doesn’t allow Board members to respond to the voices during Public Comments, but Superintendent Scott Vance assured the audience that information would be forwarded if and when changes were announced.
Good News from Around the District put a more positive twist on the evening, as Principals noted positive actions within their assigned facilities. Andy Harridge (Northside) expressed appreciation of the long-awaited playground equipment and resurfacing of the playground recently completed. Jeremy Keesee (Southside) noted the excitement kids have shown for the new playground equipment at Southside, also. Joe Robbins (MJHS) shared his appreciation for nine student volunteers that policed the area along Academic Drive prior to the weekend of Harvest Hammer. Corey Bielema (MHS) reminded the gathering of the Homecoming festivities scheduled for next week. Duane Schafer, Technical Director, reminded the members that the Board meeting was airing live and currently had 125 viewers on line.
By accepting the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the hiring of the following non-certified personnel: Claire Coons (MJHS), Emily Davis (Southside), Dulcineia Eastlick (MJHS), and Dylan Hinrichs (MHS & MJHS.)
Recognizing Old Business, the Board unanimously approved the FY’22 District budget, that totaled $13,588,079 carrying a deficit of over $800,000. Superintendent Vance expressed confidence that adjustments throughout the year would negate most of the deficit.
Additional action approved the service contracts for Technical Services Solutions, Inc. and TRANE Technologies and the retirement request, including the salary increase incentive, for Maxine Wayne, effective September 1, 2021.
The public is invited to attend the next scheduled MCUD Board of Education meeting on Monday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m., in the District Office, at 100 Knox Street, Morrison.