School board approves tax abatement and curriculum changes School: CEO students ask to wear stoles at graduation

The Nokomis Community Unit School District #22 Board of Education held a Truth in Taxation Hearing immediately preceding the regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20 with all board members present. Superintendent Scott Doerr and the school principals were in attendance.

Doerr presented information regarding the levy. The county assessors are estimating a 4.06 percent increase in Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) for the upcoming school year. He has increased the IIMRF and Social Security due to wage increases. Also, increased is the Tort Fund (Liability Insurance) due to the increase in insurance and risk management costs. The assessor’s numbers have been off for the last few years. The district needs to make sure it captures all the money that is due to it based on the required tax rates and the needed funds for the other ar

eas. The tax rate is an estimate until the assessors finalize the EAV in the spring. At that time the district should see a tax rate increase of 0.04 percent. The district has lowered its tax rate each year for the past ten years. Based on the other three districts in the county, Nokomis has the lowest tax rate. Under a new law, the Board must report out all operating fund balances during this hearing as of June 30, 2022. These balances are Fund 10, $5,017,844; Fund 20, $435,986; Fund 40 $230,190; and Fund 70, $503,062.

There were no public comments. The meeting was adjourned.

Board President Chad Ruppert then called the regular meeting to order.

The following visitors addressed the board with comments asking for board approval to wear CEO stoles at graduation:

Tisha Morris asked the board "to consider allowing the CEO kids to wear the CEO stoles at graduation this year;"

Zaylon Sisk commented, "Since August 17, I have spent 8,280 minutes in this program. I have seen personal growth in myself such as speaking in public, presenting information, and contacting businesses. I am asking to allow CEO students to wear their stoles at graduation;"

Carley King commented, "We have completed 18 different tours and start our school day at 7:15 a.m. We have learned teamwork, real world tasks, taking additional responsibility, created businesses, participate in other activities at school, and self-direct ourselves to get tasks completed. It’s an accomplishment for all of us and by being able wear the stoles it shows people how hard we worked and it’s a celebration for us to wear them;"

Matthew Ulrici stated "I have driven a total of 1,017 miles during my time in CEO. As a person, I have changed a lot the past few months from how I present myself to how I talk. My family has seen big changes also. This program has made me a better person; so I would like to represent that by wearing stoles during graduation in honor of our achievements;"

Banee Ulrici said "I have seen growth in my son as a person and I appreciate all they have learned in the program;"

Mason Morris commented, "I have spoken to 10 guest speakers. The program has made a huge impact on my life by helping me with my teamwork skills and business skills. I am able to represent myself better;"

Natalie Engelman stated, "I am asking the Board of Education to allow us to wear our CEO stoles for graduation this year. A tremendous amount of work is put into this program and I believe that it is a great way to demonstrate that. It is a great way to inspire the underclassmen to get involved. I have had the opportunity to work on my communication skills, met bank executives, successful business owners, and entrepreneurs. I have strengthened my organizational skills and teamwork skills. This is a huge advantage as I pursue a business degree in college;"

Brandon Engelman comments were in support of the students making the request as well as other student groups who would like to wear their insignia and be proud of their accomplishments during graduation. He stated, "I have seen what the program requires students to do first handed and will be able to take with them the rest of their lives. I have seen the sacrifice that student athletes make while maintaining their academics. These students put in a lot of effort to have those successes; this is something they should be proud of during their high school years. A suggestion is making certain requirements to participate in this request;"

Trevor Loafman said, "I am a father of a graduate that attended the CEO program. What he learned in CEO, he was able to take with him to college what he learned and participate in several activities at college because of these skills";

Jodi Reynolds commented, "The kids are here tonight to represent themselves, which is a characteristic of what we learn in the program. They are learning to represent themselves to be heard, but also to respect the decisions of those that make decisions. They are here to represent their belief in a constructive and productive manner.

With the approval of the consent agenda the board approved field trips for April 15, 2023 to Fox Theater for Junior High — Killer, January 28, 2023 to Fox Theater for Senior High — Killer and January 19, 2023 to St. Louis Aquarium — Science Club.

In his report to the board, Doerr told that the monthly spreadsheet shows the State owes the district $71,658.98. This is before the second quarter payments, which are due on December 31. This amount includes one payment from FY 22 in Driver’s Education. He further stated that the state is getting behind in Early Childhood again this year.

He reviewed the completed audit with the board. Kent could not make the meeting to present the findings to the board. The audit score again this year is a 3.9 out of 4 with no findings for fiscal year 2022.

The district had one FOIA request. It was from Vince Espi of Local Labs requesting names, birth dates, addresses and election information from all board members. Information that was available was provided and the rest was denied because the district does not have the information that was requested. The requester is a news media group.

Bob Ridings notified Doerr that the Chrysler Company has canceled all purchase orders for governmental contracts. At this time the district did not get the new minivan. He has contacted CMS to provide other dealers in central Illinois that have the state contract to see what is available. The Jade van will be repaired.

The district has applied for the Montgomery County 708 Board grant again this year and was awarded $48,00. This money will be put toward the extra time for the Social Worker and the School Psychologist.

Doerr congratulated the Early Childhood Program on their successful NAEYC review and another five years of accreditation with the program. He thanked all the teachers, staff, and Mrs. Masten for their hard work to complete the paperwork in a short time period.

The Board Transportation Committee and the Building/Grounds Committee will be meeting in January.

Doerr gave a shout out to bus driver Brian Keagy and bus aide Denise Strazar for their quick response to a medical emergency on the bus a few weeks ago. They were able to identify the problem, pull the bus over safely, call 9-1-1 and render aid to the student. The emergency response plan and procedures were followed and all turned out fine.

Assistant Principal Reedy reported to the board that the district has approximately 21 high school students interested in track and field. A cost analysis will be presented at the January meeting for the board to review and see if track practice can take place at one of the local districts.

In old business the board approved the 2022 Tax Levy as presented.

In new business the board:

* Approved the resolution abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2022 to pay service on general obligation bonds (alternate revenue source, Series 2016 (A, B, & C), of Community Unit School District 22, Montgomery, Christian, Fayette Counties, Illinois;

* Approved the purchase of land at 504 and 512 Oberle Street, Nokomis, Illinois 6274 per the disbursement agreement with Spears Title Company;

Was presented a plan by Doerr to place solar energy at both buildings, which included a cost analysis, a cost savings, and a proposed contract;

* Approved the Option Lease Agreement with Econergy Development LLC (IEC/Future Green) for the development of a solar array pending final negotiations of Agreement;

Discussed the North School roof and possible repairs that need to be completed due to age;

* Approved the following curriculum changes for the 2023-2024 school year — Introduction to Communication, Environmental Science, Forensics as presented and Strength and Conditioning as amended;

* Approved the 1st reading of the updated Board policies, exhibits, and administrative procedures (Issue #110) as approved by the Policy Committee;

* Approved the A La Carte prices effective January 1, 2023;

* Discussed the request by the CEO student members and directed the Administration to review the request and to develop a plan for possible consideration; and

* Determined the Nokomis-Witt Ambulance Service was only needed at football games.

Following a closed session the board:

* Approved the resignation of Lydia McDonald as the Junior High Scholastic Bowl Sponsor effective immediately; and

* Approved the purchase of land at 500 Oberle Street, Nokomis Illinois 62074 per the disbursement agreement with Spears Title Company.