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 Roll
call was taken for the February regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Five
attendees were present for the meeting, but no one addressed the
Board during Recognition of the Public.
The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, which included
payment of bills, sales tax revenue report, minutes from January 20,
2021 regular meeting, minutes from January 20, 2021 executive
session.
In Reports, Mr. Lamkey relayed that the district was now certified
to administer COVID-19 Antigen testing. The tests arrived last week
and the district’s main intent is to have the tests available for
employees, but administration was exploring the concept of testing
students as well. Superintendent Lamkey also noted that the CDC and
LCHD informed residents that people who receive both vaccination
shots will not be required to quarantine if they are in direct
contact with a person infected with COVID-19. This exemption lasts
for three months after the second vaccination.
The energy crisis in Texas has reached Illinois. Mr. Lamkey notified
the Board that he was monitoring the district’s natural gas usage
because of the soaring rates related to the energy shortage in
Texas. Mt. Pulaski Schools are under contract for a specific amount
of therms at a prearranged price, but any overage of therms would be
at market value. Superintendent Lamkey is working with Ameren and
Stone River Group to determine the district’s best course of action.
Next,
athletic director Ryan McVickers spoke with the Board about the
state of athletics and the process of jump starting sports. While
winter sports are well underway, he is still awaiting news on how
the second winter and spring seasons will play out. Mr. McVickers
exclaimed to the Board “It is just great to have the kids playing
again!”
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In Unfinished Business, Mr. Lamkey took questions from the Board
on the pandemic. The superintendent was pleased to announce the district has
gone over three weeks without a positive case, but still remains diligent on
mitigation practices. Mr. Smith asked if the district was still seeking to
extend the school day to 3:00 PM for the 4th Quarter. Mr. Lamkey replied it is
our goal to return to full days as soon as possible, but there are barriers that
the administration must work through. He also indicated that the districts
options will be much clearer in March.
Under New Business, Mrs. Fricke explained the required agreement for SOPPA
(Student Online Personal Protective Act) which is designed to protect students
and their information. SOPPA is a work in progress as districts across the state
hope to have it up and running for next school year. The agreement was approved
7-0.
The Board then approved a resolution authorizing the abatement of sales tax
revenues to pay bond debts incurred during high school construction. The Board
had previously approved the abatement, but this resolution authorizes the county
to abate the sales tax revenues. The resolution passed 7-0.
[Submitted by Sarah Farris
Administrative Assistant
Mount Pulaski Community Unit District #23]
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