New bus cameras are coming to the Prairie Central school district after a vote by the Prairie Central Board of Education during the group’s monthly meeting last week in Fairbury.
The systems include four cameras for each bus and cost $66,720 which includes installation from a company known as 247 Security.
“We can upload these easier,” explained Superintendent Paula Crane.
The camera information can be viewed by the district and will even tell the speed a bus driver is traveling or spot motorist stop arm violations.
“Is it an SD card?” asked board member Brad Duncan.
“They call it a drive,” replied Crane.
Board member Tim McGreal asked how long the cameras would record before they start deleting information. Crane said it is no less than the other system.
During public comment, concerns were expressed over what is being done for the safety of kids in the district since a woman believes her daughter is being abused by a teacher and afraid to go to school. She said the district is not keeping records of what they need to and that she would be back at the next meeting.
The district issued a note following the meeting that no allegations of abuse by a teacher have been brought forth by the parent and that all allegations have been fully investigated and acted on accordingly and appropriately.
In another matter, building and construction updates were provided by Crane. She noted the company will return to adjust the football field lights as parts of the track are too bright and some of the field is not as bright as it should be. Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, Electrical & Geothermal is working with the company since it is an electrical lighting issue.
The high school gym floor is down to the cement and workers are now trying to figure out how to level off the cement. Plans are on schedule for the agriculture/industrial technology addition to the high school. Sight work will start things off along with some of the tiling.
American Buildings will deliver a building in the middle of October and the foundation should be done by then to get the building up before winter weather hits.
Graduation is planned for Friday, May 26 on the high school football field starting at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be delayed to Saturday in case of bad weather.
The end-of-year institute day is set for June 2 with a retiree open house to honor those employees retiring this year. This starts at 9:30 a.m. with all staff gathering in the high school cafeteria for a brunch at 10:30 a.m. with an award recognition following at 11:30.
Under new business, the board approved committee assignments. Board President John Wilken said transportation, facilities and grounds is the most active committee. Wilken suggested members consider serving on a committee which includes something they have expertise in and another they are not so familiar with.
“Curriculum Council is really the best way to learn what is going on in school,” stated Wilken.
Duncan expressed a desire to be on facilities and grounds along with athletics. Wilken reminded the group this can be changed at any time.
Policy changes were approved by the board. Changes were made to ensure the board policy was updated to include new legislation and mandates. An updated policy manual will be available on the district’s website under “Board of Education” once changes for the district are published by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
Stipend positions were approved for boys freshman basketball, freshman volleyball and freshman football for the 2023-24 school year. Crane predicts these sports will have the numbers to support teams but freshman girls basketball will not.
Board members approved the application process for a three-year renewal for E-learning days.
“In case you ever did want to use it, this is what gives you permission,” explained Crane.
A hearing will be held prior to next month’s regular board meeting to accept public comments on E-learning. Under a current negotiated plan with the Prairie Central Education Association, the district can use a maximum of three E-learning days in a school year and only use those days when it can be announced by 2 p.m. the day before. This gives teachers and parents time to plan ahead.
Handbook changes were approved at Thursday’s meeting. This is for all school handbooks, including K-6, the junior high and high school which were presented by building principals last month.
Minutes were authorized from the previous April 27 meeting and May 4 special meeting.
Following an executive session, the board:
· Accepted the resignation of Amber Carls, senior class sponsor, effective the end of the 22-23 school year.
· Accepted the resignation of Sarah Jaime, newly hired 1st grade teacher, effective immediately.
· Accepted the resignation Kaylie Mason, newly hired kindergarten teacher, effective immediately.
· Accepted the resignation of Heidi Schaab, SLP, effective the end of the 2022-23 school year.
· Accepted the resignation of Chad Bazzell, JH track coach, effective the end of the 2022- 23 school year.
· Accepted the resignation of Lynette Bazzell, JH social studies teacher, effective the end of the 2022-23 school year.
· Appointed Sadie Cole as PCP East 1st grade teacher effective the 2023-24 school year.
· Appointed Kelly Frambes as 3rd grade teacher leader for FY24, FY25 and FY26.
· Appointed Jenny Quinn as K-6 special education teacher leader for FY24, FY25 and FY26.
· Appointed Shannon Brown as Interventionist teacher leader for FY24, FY25 and FY26.
· Appointed Debbie Vaughan as 7-12 math teacher leader for FY24, FY25 and FY26.
· Appointed Angie Kratochvil as 7-12 social studies teacher leader for FY24, FY25 and FY26.
· Appointed Liz McDonald as 4th grade teacher leader for FY24.
· Appointed Beth Carrion as 1st grade teacher leader for FY24.
· Appointed Jordan Vandenberg as PCP East Interventionist effective the 2023-24 school year.
· Appointed Bailey Howes as kindergarten teacher at PCP East, effective the 2023-24 school year.
· Appointed Ivana Rivera as paraprofessional at PCP East effective the 2023-24 school year.
· Appointed Hannah Miller as JV girls basketball coach effective the 2023-24 school year.
· Approved a transfer request from Jodee Ritter to move from PCP East kindergarten teacher to PCP West kindergarten teacher.
· Approved a transfer request from Kathy Anderson to move from 1st grade teacher at PCP East to special education teacher at PCP West.
· Approved a transfer request from Lisa Bounds to move from PCUE interventionist to PCHS special education teacher.
· Transferred Emily Wilkey from PCP West paraprofessional to PCUE paraprofessional.
· Approved a leave of absence for Nikki Rhoads, paraprofessional from October 13, 2023 through November 27, 2023.
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