September 2024 Minutes
September 10, 2024
The Board of Education, Community Unit School District No. 1, 149 South Elm Street, Winchester, Illinois counties of Scott, Morgan and Greene, met in regular session on Tuesday September 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Winchester Elementary School gymnasium.
President Steve Moore called the meeting to order with the following members answering roll call: Thad Walker, Bill Jacquot, Shanna Eddinger, Trista Freeman, Eric Peterson, Aaron Littig and Steve Moore. Also attending were Superintendent Kevin Blankenship, WGS Assistant Principal Nick ZuHone, WHS Principal Denny Vortman and Administrative Assistant Becky Lashmett.
BUDGET HEARING
After conducting a public hearing, Walker motioned to approve the FY25 Budget as presented. Peterson seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
MINUTES / FINANCIALS
Jacquot motioned, with a second from Littig, to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2024 regular meeting. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Littig motioned, with a second by Eddinger to approve the financial report and bills to be paid. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORTS
Administrators reported on enrollment numbers, student accomplishments, activities and upcoming events. Superintendent Blankenship noted a successful start to the school year, and the near-completion of the FY24 Maintenance Grants.
EARLY GRADUATION
Five students were present to request early graduation in December, 2025. Eddinger motioned to approve the requests of Gracelyn Hettinger, Toni Nacarrato, Kadience Savage, Erryn Rivera and Talon Whicker. Peterson seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
WHS BUILDING UPDATE
Superintendent Blankenship presented a synopsis of the options for pursuing renovation; both traditional architect-led or a performance based contractor, as well as a list of prioritized projects - including ADA, asbestos removal, restroom/locker room remodeling, and HVAC. Eddinger motioned to approve performance contractor Veregy for the high school project, with a second from Walker. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Littig motioned, with a second from Freeman, to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the teacher’s union regarding early retirement notices and bonuses. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
Littig motioned, with a second from Walker, to approve overnight trip requests from the Junior High House Leadership team, and the FFA. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
USE OF FACILITIES
Walker motioned to allow use of district facilities by the Teen Reach after-school program, sponsored by the Scott County Health Department. Eddinger seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS / PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Moore asked the status of Freedom of Information requests, and Superintendent Blankenship reported there were none. President Moore then asked for questions or comments from the audience, and Donnie Campbell complimented the new flag at WHS and thanked Dr. Blankenship for clarification on community input for the WHS renovations.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Freeman motioned at 7:54 PM to enter into closed session. Littig seconded the motion and roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Eddinger motioned, with a second from Littig, to return to open session at 8:37 PM. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed. President Moore announced the purpose of the executive session was for personnel matters and student discipline.
PERSONNEL ACTION
Jacquot motioned, with a second from Peterson, to approve the early retirement notice of Heather Lashmett. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
Freeman motioned to employ Bailey McClellan as Certified Aide, and to authorize Superintendent Blankenship to get a non-certified aide / noon supervisor in place. Roll call vote resulted: Walker, yea; Jacquot, yea; Freeman, yea; Eddinger, yea; Peterson, yea: Littig, yea: and Moore, yea; there being seven yeas and no nays, the motion passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / ADJOURNMENT
President Moore announced the October 15th meeting would be held in the WHS Home Ec room due to an athletic event scheduling error. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:39 PM.
