March 2024

 

March 19, 2024 School Board Meeting Agenda

Cabrini Hall 6:00pm

Present: Father Mark Reyling, Jason Swann, Dr. Amanda Brazis, Marlyn Cairatti, Maria Deaton, Krista Cawvey, Sarah Hagler, Jocelyn Popit, Brandon Watson, Jami Burris, and Liz Lively

Opening Prayer & Welcome

School Committee Report:

Mr. Swann said that they are working hard on the Dinner and Auction.

 

Principal’s Report:

 

iPhone Watches- We discussed the impact of students having access to this technology at school and the potential need to update the cell phone policy to include the watches. We will continue this discussion at the next board meeting.

 

Discipline and Incidents at the School This Semester- School Response – Mr. Swann discussed several incidents that have occurred in the past month. He updated us on the school’s response to the students’ behavior and his communication with the students’ families.  The 8th graders met with Mrs. Nagrodski and Mr. Swann to discuss the behavioral and academic expectations for the 4th quarter.  There was a contract issued to the students and they were asked to discuss the conversation with their parents.  Both student and parents were to sign the contract.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences- The structure will change next year. It is a conference between parent and teacher about progress to date. In the fall, the plan is to hold an initial conference to discuss current levels and goals and then another conference to discuss progress. In the spring, the conferences will be by appointment/need after that. Mr. Swann discussed several options of how to meet with as many families as possible while also meeting earlier in the school year. These options included holding conferences in the evening with a half-day for students and staff on the following day.

 

Playground Aide Positions- There have been several candidates for the available positions.

 

New Religion Text “Word of Life”- The text runs K-5. The junior high curriculum comes out in one year, and PreK will be available in two years. It has an interactive site and videos with the curriculum. It comes from Augustine Institute.

 

Phonics Curriculum- Mrs. Gosha and Mrs. Burris brought curriculum to the staff to review. Mrs. Shurtz and Mr. Swann are developing a curriculum committee. Mrs. Shurtz will chair the committee. Teachers are encouraged to bring curriculum ideas to Mr. Swann.

 

Tuition Update: Mr. Swann said that he would email the updated tuition numbers. Father Mark explained the language changes from Catholic or Non-Catholic to Parishioner or Non-Parishioner. The default is non-parishioner until the form is completed by the parish priest.  Brandon and Liz asked about the percentages of current Catholic vs. Non-Catholic students. The exact numbers were unknown, but the estimate was around 20-30.

 

Additional Discussion

Brandon suggested a School Board Scholarship Fund for financially needy students. Scholarship dinner could be utilized to raise money. This would be separate from fundraising- an account specifically for financial aid.

 

Elections in May - Marlyn Cairatti

Liz Lively’s term is ending this year. She is not planning to run again. Dr. Brazis will run again. Scott Stefan has served two terms so he cannot run again.

We will need at least 4 people to run by the next board meeting. Right now, Dori Nichols and Dr. Brazis are willing to run. Candidates must be a practicing Catholic, 18 years or older, and cannot have a spouse who works for the parish. Elections are the third weekend of May. We need a paragraph biography for each candidate. We will vote on potential candidates during the next meeting.

 

Approval of February Minutes:  Jocelyn Popit and Liz Lively

Pastor’s Report: 

All students have received Reconciliation. 9 people will join the church at Easter Vigil. Confirmation is April 7^th. That morning is the celebration of 50 years of Holy Spirit. The Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is between Masses on Sunday.

Priest Personnel Board Meetings: Focus is on 5 retiring and none to fill positions. Next year there will be 6 retiring.

Parish photos are going well. There are just a few slots left.

FACE Trivia and Parish Reconciliation Service went well.

 

Adjournment: Date of Next Meeting: This was not discussed.  

Closing Prayer

February 2024

 

February 20, 2024 School Board Meeting Agenda

Cabrini Hall 6:00pm

Present: Father Mark Reyling, Jason Swann, Kent Ingersoll, Marlyn Cairatti, Maria Deaton, Krista Cawvey, Jami Burris, Sarah Hagler, Jocelyn Popit, Brandon Watson, Liz Lively, Dr. Josh Miksanek, and Scott Stefan

Opening Prayer & Welcome

School Committee Report:

Mardi Gras- Kent reported the event brought in approximately $27,000 in sales, but that was not the profit. He is still waiting on a couple of sponsorships to come in. Approximately 540 meals were served.

 

Fish Fry- This Friday, 5-7 pm, forms will be sent home on Wednesday, February 21.

 

Auction- The committee has been working hard. The event is the first weekend in May.

 

Calendars- Kent is still trying to get calendars returned, and then he will give an update.

 

Liz found new people to be in charge of the fish fries and golf scramble.

 

Rice Bowls will be sent home Wednesday, February 21. They should be returned the week before Easter.

 

Principal’s Report:

School Activity- Catholic Schools Week went really well. The focus is on our Catholic identity. We’re making good progress as a school and a staff. Everything is going well. It’s been a positive year, students seem positive. Personnel- Dr. Brazis and Mr. Swann interviewed a candidate for an additional fifth grade position. Next year, we will have two first grades, one second grade, and Kindergarten is in limbo right now. Mrs. Shurtz has agreed to move to third grade. Curriculum committee will meet soon with Mrs. Shurtz leading the committee.

 

Tuition Discussion for 2024- The terminology will be changed from Catholic and Non-Catholic to Parishioner and Non-Parishioner. It also says the default rate is the non-parishioner rate until the form is signed by the correct pastor. Mr. Swann asked for any further information/questions. Father Mark and Mr. Swann will now meet to decide on the tuition rates for next year. Dr. Miksanek asked about the possibility of families moving due to the increase. Mr. Swann said he does not foresee that happening. Sarah Hagler and Liz Lively suggested skillful marketing and letting families know as early as possible. Dr. Miksanek suggested putting some of the increased costs that the school has in the letter to families. Jocelyn Popit suggested comparing metrics (percent increase) with other local schools. Liz Lively suggested marketing with a focus on loving our kids and our school.

 

Principal Appraisal Forms Reminder: Please send them to Father Mark this week.

 

PreK Discussion- Mr. Swann said that at this point, he is not sure that it is the wisest decision to add a PreK this fall. He suggests waiting a year. PreK is self-sufficient, but it does not profit the entire school. Mr. Swann is still waiting for an approximate cost for expanding the PreK. Liz Lively asked what the percentage of PreK students is that stay and go to Kindergarten. Mr. Swann says it is extremely high. No one suggested going forward with the new PreK classroom this fall.

                 

Approval of January Minutes: Jocelyn Popit motioned. Sarah Hagler seconded. None opposed.

Pastor’s Report: 

Father Mark reported that Mardi Gras went well with many compliments for the food. The 2^nd grade parent meeting is Thursday, February 22 to discuss Reconciliation and First Communion. First Reconciliation is March 7, the FACE Trivia Night to benefit the bus that travels to Notre Dame High School is on March 8^th, the Parish Penance Service will be at 3 pm on March 17, and Sister Paulette has the Confirmation retreat scheduled for the 8^th graders.

Work is being done on the patio for the rectory to repair a leaking roof. Bides are signed and work should be scheduled soon. Tuck pointing and sealing the gym is on the schedule for the summer.

Adjournment: Date of Next Meeting:  March 19, 2024

Closing Prayer

January 2024

 

January 16, 2024 School Board Meeting Agenda

Cabrini Hall 6:00pm

Present: Father Mark Reyling, Jason Swann, Kent Ingersoll, Dr. Amanda Brazis, Marlyn Cairatti, Maria Deaton, Krista Cawvey, Tara Webb, Sarah Hagler, Jocelyn Popit, Brandon Watson, and Scott Stefan

Opening Prayer & Welcome:

School Committee Report:

Catholic  Schools Week will be at the end of the month. The team met and solidified the schedule. An email will go out to families this week.

 

Mardi Gras: Nina Helleny has offered to help with marketing, etc. Packets will include raffle tickets, dinner orders, and carnival tickets. Carnival tickets will be available presale and at the event. It is February 13.

 

Marlyn suggested that there should be sales after the masses (all masses) to offer to parishioners. Kent said that was the plan, but some volunteers do not always show up.

 

Principal’s Report:

Personnel Update: Karen Graul goes back to Barnes on February 5, and they are testing for transplant donors. She is pretty sure that she will not return to school this year. It looks like we will need to bring in another school nurse.  Mr. Steve and Ms. Linda are both back.

 

Principal’s Appraisal Forms: Board members were reminded to fill them out and return them to Father Mark.  Write your name on the top of the form, not Mr. Swann’s.

 

Tuition Discussion: We need to turn our figures into FACTS by the end of January so they can set up our tuition in their system. Father gave out information about a proposed tuition increase, and the proposal was discussed. An increase in Pre-K tuition was also discussed. Mr. Swann asked that we continue the conversation via email. There will continue to be discussion with families who need tuition assistance.

             

Approval of December Minutes: Sarah Hagler motioned and Jocelyn Popit seconded

Pastor’s Report:  Father Mark had to leave before this part of our meeting.

Adjournment: Date of Next Meeting:  February 20th, 2024

Closing Prayer

January 2023

OLMC School Board Meeting

January 17, 2023

 

Present: Jason Swann, Fr. Mark Reyling, Dr. Amanda Brazis, Liz Lively, Scott Stefan, Liz Isler, Maria Deaton, Sarah Hagler, Dr. Josua Miksanek, Marlyn Cairatti, Kent Ingersoll, Catalina Huerta, Jamie Burris, and Mary Bondioli

 Dr. Brazis called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Fr. Mark led the board in prayer.

 School Committee Report:

·         Kent Ingersoll reported that there were still a number of raffle tickets out. Tickets will be sold at all        the Masses this weekend and people are still being encouraged to sell more. When asked, Kent said        about $19,000 has been deposited so far. Although far from the goal of $60,000, the profit already           surpasses the profit from calendar sales last year.

·         Mardi Gras will be February 21^st. The meal will be dine in, carry out, and delivery within a limited        number of miles.

·         Catholic Schools Week will kick off with a Children’s Mass at 11:00 on Sunday, January 29^th.

·         May 19^th is the golf scramble.

Principal’s Report:

·         Spring semester is going well. The teachers are doing a great job.

·         The Empower Illinois Sunset was not removed so it will remain in place until July,2024.

·         The new 4^th grade teacher, Claire Borbath, is working out well. She is highly motivated and has no        concerns about getting the class caught up to where they should be by the end of the year.

·          The Accreditation “in school” date has been rescheduled for March 30. The Handbook has been            approved and Jason believes all documentation has been completed.

·         A parish/school inquiry e-mail address has been set up: parishinquiry4OLMC @olmcschool.net

·         Thursday, January 19^th is 8^th grade night for basketball.

·         March 23^rd, 5:30 -6:30p.m. will be Kindergarten Round-up.

Marlyn Cairatti moved to change the title of the School Board By-Laws from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Regional School. The motion was approved.

Dr. Miksanek said a parent had contacted him regarding too little time allowed for changing of classes in the Jr. High, The principal indicated that the time is more controlled than last year but believes it is ample time. The parent is welcome to call him if there is a specific problem regarding this student.

Liz Lively mentioned that several sub committees of the School Board had been set up last year. She wondered whether those committees were meeting and whether new board members had been put on those committees. She mentioned that the Mission Effectiveness Committee has been meeting regularly and had been involved in several parish events in the past year with the purpose of bringing parishioners together. Jason indicated that reestablishing committees is on his agenda for the coming months.

Maria Deaton commented that the Soft Lock Down that was necessary recently had been communicated well to the parents. She thought it would be a good idea to again inform parents of the difference between a Soft Lock Down vs a Hard Lock Down as some had questioned her about that. Jason agreed to do that and also commented that the teachers did an amazing job of continuing to move forward with their class activities in such a way that the students were not aware of the potential situation.

Liz Lively moved to approve the December minutes. Motion was approved.

 

Pastor’s Report:

·         Father’s retreat went well.

·         The Mass server training with 4^th graders will be starting soon.

·         February 9, 6:00 p.m. will be the Parent Meeting for students scheduled to receive Reconciliation           and First Communion this spring. First Reconciliation will be March 9 at 6:00.

·         January 28/29^th there will be a TEC Retreat in Cabrini.

·         Fr. Brian Barker is on sabbatical until May 16^th.

·         February 3^rd will be Blessing of the Throats after the All-School’s Mass.

·         February 4-5 Girl Scouts will be selling cookies after Masses.

·         June 3^rd will be Fr. Mark’s Jubilee Mass at 4:00.

·         Father brought up a point for the board to think about. “When someone new moves into our area,           how do they know we (parish and school) are here?” Brief comments followed indicating the St.           Mary School signs need to be replaced, new signs needed at the entrances to Herrin, brochures               and/or window decals to be distributed.

Jason indicated that a Strategic Marketing Plan for our school will be presented at the February meeting for comments.

 Also, the Principal Evaluation forms will be given out at the February meeting.

 Next meeting will be THURSDAY, February 16^th.

 Fr. Mark led the board in the Our Father.

 Liz Issler moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.

 Mary Bondioli

December 2022

 OLMC School Board Meeting

December 20, 2022

Present: Jason Swann, Fr. Mark Reyling, Dr. Amanda Brazis, Leigh Bedokis-Gusta, Barry Vesciglio-VanAcker, Liz Isler, Maria Deaton, Sarah Hagler, Scott Stefan, Dr. Josua Miksanek, Kent Ingersoll, Catalina Huerta, Jamie Burris, and Mary Bondioli

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Dr. Brazis. Fr. Mark led the board in prayer.

School Committee Report – Kent Ingersoll said the raffle tickets have been sent home and will be sold through January 13^th. Initially, it was reported the tickets would be sold until March 3^rd but the date has been changed so as to not interfere with Mardi Gras fundraising.

Principal’s Report:

·         “We made it!” through the first half of the school year.

·         The Empower Illinois Act passed the legislative session in Springfield but is likely to come up again in the “lame duck” session at the end of the year. Some public-school unions and lobbyists are not in favor of the program.

·         Ms. Casey will not be returning to our school next semester. A new 4^th grade teacher has been hired. She is Claire Borbath from northern Illinois who does have experience at this grade level. An announcement will be sent to parents after Christmas.

·         Jason also asked that the board keep things discussed at the board meeting low until the meeting minutes are posted.

Leigh motioned to approve the November minutes, seconded by Scott Stefan and the motion was approved.

Jason requested approval of the Absenteeism and Truancy Policy which had been sent to board members prior to the meeting. This policy is required by the ISBE and is uniform in the diocesan schools. Liz Isler motioned to accept the policy and Maria Deaton seconded. The motion was approved and will be part of the handbook in the future.

Pastor’s Report:

·         Fr. Mark made it through all six classes of confessions.

·         Father will be on a Diocesan Retreat the first week of January.

·         Catholic Schools Week will be the last week of January going into February.

·         An Anniversary Dinner is being planned for February 18^th after the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

·         Repairs of the gym roof have been scheduled to begin soon.

·         Plans are to tuckpoint the gym ceiling in 2024.

The next board meeting will be January 24^th at 6:00 p.m.

Leigh Gusta motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Maria Deaton.

Jason expressed appreciation to the board members for their service. Thanks was also expressed to Dr. Brazis for providing dinner from Louie’s P&R.

Mary Bondioli

November 2022

 OLMC School Board Meeting

November 15, 2022

Present: Jason Swann, Fr. Mark Reyling, Dr. Amanda Brazis, Liz Lively, Mary Bondioli, Liz Isler, Maria Deaton, Sarah Hagler, Marlyn Cairatti, Jamie Burris, and Kent Ingersoll. Absent: Leigh Bedokis- Gusta, Barry Vesciglio-VanAcker, Scott Stefan, Dr. Josua Miksansek, and Catalina Huerta.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Dr. Brazis. Fr. Mark led the board in prayer.

School Committee report by Kent Ingersoll:

·        OLMC raffle tickets will go home next week and be sold until March 3^rd. The prize drawing will be held at the first fish fry.

·        Mardi Gras committee will start meeting next week. Plans are to create some new games and ideas, some with older students in mind.

·        This is the last year that Liz Bokerman will chair the Dinner Auction committee so a volunteer will be needed for that position for next year.

·        If the raffle is very successful, it is hoped that in the future, only three major fundraisers would be needed - cash raffle, Mardi Gras, and the Dinner Auction.

Principal’s Report:

·        The school, especially the Junior High, has been hit hard by the flu.

·          Sister Paulette is out on retreat this week.

·        There are still lingering 4^th grade issues to be addressed later.

·        Overall, the morale of the school and faculty is good.

·        The official date for accreditation has been set for March 7^th.   Visitors will be in the school all that day. Faculty is working on curriculum mapping and checking that all student files are complete and accurate. If at the time of the accreditation report, there are any discrepancies to be addressed, there is a time period allowed to rectify any issues.

·        The FACTS letters did go out and at this time there is only one family not in compliance and the principal is working with them currently.

Liz Isler moved to approve the October 18^th board meeting minutes. Liz Lively seconded and the motion was approved.

Pastor’s Report:

·        Mass on Thanksgiving Day will be at 8:00 a.m. Participants are asked to bring food for the Herrin Pantry as their offering.

·        Advent will begin on November 27^th.

·        Feast of the Immaculate Conception is December 8^th with an 8:30 Mass that morning and 5:30 Mass the evening before.

·        There will be an Advent Penance Service at 2:00 on December 11 at Holy Spirit Church (Carterville) with three priests available for Reconciliation. (The Lenten Penance Service will be in Herrin.)

·        Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass will be on December 12^th.

·        On December 18^th there will be a Carol Sing-a-long at the church at 2:00 with the church choir leading and all invited to sing-a-long.

·        Christmas masses will be at 5:30 and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 10:00 on Christmas Day in Herrin.

·        Bishop McGovern has asked Fr. Mark to consider getting his Canon Law Degree. This would involve four years of classes and work, much of it on line, and then probably an assignment in the Belleville area when completed.

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for 6:00 on December 20^th. Location will be determined later.

Fr. Mark led the board in a closing prayer.

The meeting was adjourned.

Principal Swann requested the board meet in Executive session.

February 2022

 

OLMC School Board Minutes

February 9, 2022

 

Members Present: Jason Swann, Marlynn Cairatti, Mary Bondioli, Barry Vesciglio, Tammy Pullum, Leigh Gusta, Scott Stefan, Mary Edna Russell, Liz Lively, Melissa Kramer, Amanda Brazis

Absent: Liz Issler, Angela Holmes

 

1.       Opening Prayer

Leigh called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.  Father Mark led the Board in prayer.

 

2.       School Committee Report-Kent Ingersoll

Kent reported that Mardi Gras is set for March 1^st with a live Carnival and dinner.  The dinner will be eat-in, delivery, and to-go.  Bingo will take place downstairs after dinner.  Kent reported 1,000 more raffle tickets were purchased for each raffle than last year.  He reported that as of the meeting, approximately 1,200 calendars had been sold.  Net year there will be no physical calendars to purchase, there will be a large raffle instead with a bigger grand prize and some smaller prizes.  Kent also noted that the fish fry and golf scramble committee will be meeting in the coming weeks.  The Auction will be at the pavilion with a sit down dinner and auction this year.  Kent moved to the successful Catholic Schools week with lots of activities and participation.

 

3.       Principal’s Report-Jason Swann

Empower IL and the Shriber Family scholarships will be matching a $10,000 donation to allow for $20,000 worth of scholarships in the coming year. 

 

The Mask Policy has been updated and sent home to parents via Option C and social media channels. 

 

Board committee assignments will be coming by email to board members.

 

Fall yearbook pictures next year will be full uniformed pictures.

 

Other School Related Business: March 1^st the school will begin advertising for a Spanish teacher and two mid range primary positions through the diocese, SIUC, SIUE, and social media.  A religion and faith formation teacher has been hired.

 

Saint Joseph will need a new representative as Amanda Brazis has joined OLMC parish.

 

 

4.       Approval of January Minutes

Liz Lively motioned to approve the minutes, Mary Edna Russell seconded the motion.  All in favor, none opposed.

 

5.       Pastor’s Report-Fr. Mark Reyling

Catholic Schools Week mass and open house was successful with many families in attendance. 

 

March 2^nd is Ash Wednesday with an evening Mass at 6:30 PM.

 

Friday morning Mass is now open to the public but seating is limited.

 

Ameren has granted the school new lighting in the gym with the match being provided from athletics, the school, and the church.

 

Bishop has approved transitioning the outstanding school bonds to a more transitional loan. Fr. Mark will follow up on the arrangements for the process to proceed.

 

Ministry Scheduler Pro has started sending out schedules to all lectors, eucharistic ministers, ushers, and servers.  The schedule will also be on the church website.

 

Next regular board meeting will be March 15^th in Cabrini Hall,

 

New Business:  Marlynn Cairaiti reminded the board that School Board elections would be happening the 3^rd weekend of May.  Tammy Pullum, Angela Holmes, and Melissa Kramer’s terms are expiring.  Tammy will be ineligible to run again because she has served two consecutive terms. 

 

Father Mark led the closing prayer.  Motion to adjourn, Barry Vesciglio at 7:10.  Seconded by Scott Stefan.

December 2021

 

OLMC School Board Meeting Minutes

December 14, 2021

 

Members Present: Jason Swann, Leigh Gusta, Melissa Kramer, Mary Bondioli, Barry

Vesciglio, Liz Issler, Scott Stefan, Marlyn Cairatti, and Tammy Pullum were present. Angela

Holmes, Amanda Brazis, Liz Lively, and MaryEdna Russell were absent.

 

1. Opening Prayer

                Leigh called the meeting to order at 6:04pm and Fr. Mark led the Board in prayer.

 

2. School Committee report

                Kent Ingersoll reported that dates have been set for Fish Frys (3/11/21 & 4/8/21). The

committee is still keeping options open whether there will be an eat-in option as well as a

pick-up line. There is a Mardi Gras meeting on Thursday at 6:00pm; this event is also in

preliminary planning stages as to whether food will be pick-up only with the carnival during the

school day, or if an eat-in event with carnival in the evening will be possible.

 

                Butter braids/pizza/cookie dough sales were a success; early estimates show approx.

$8000 profit.

 

                Recess assessments have been successful; two parents right now are consistently

volunteering at recess times.

 

                Calendars are finally out for everyone to sell. Some families have sold theirs and are

asking for more, but at this time there are no more to give. The committee will be selling

calendars at all the masses this coming weekend and then after Christmas as well.

 

3. Principal’s Report

 

Restructuring of the Board into Standing Committees beginning spring

                Jason and Fr. Mark have discussed establishing several committees within the Board in

order for members to become more involved in specific issues regarding the school and church.

The proposed committees would include: Planning & Policy, Building & Grounds, Development,

and Mission Effectiveness. The members of the committees would potentially report to the

Parish Council as needed to communicate information. More info to follow.

 

Alcohol Policy

                Jason is planning to have drafts of the school’s policy ready soon for the Board to vote

on, then will add the policy to the school handbook.

 

All School Masses during Spring Semester

                Since the Our Lady of Guadalupe mass went well last week, we would like to be able to

open back up for All-School masses in the spring, as long as recommendations from the CDC,

health dept., etc. allow.

  

Update on Second Grade

                Mrs. Russell is back teaching part time and Amy Weaver is subbing in her absence. Ms.

Weaver is scheduled to student teach in the spring under Mrs. Russell, which will make for a

smooth transition.

 

4. Approval of November minutes

                Liz I. made a motion to approve November minutes and Mary seconded. All were in

favor, none opposed.

 

5. Pastor’s Report

                Fr. Mark reported that new lighting around the buildings had been installed, and they are

working on upgrading security cameras as well. Electrical specialists will be coming Thursday

to look at upgrading lighting in the gym. Also, where the metal building attaches to Cabrini,

there had been issues of settling water from rain. A company came and used barn siding to

alleviate this problem. And, Fr. Mark is meeting with someone on Wednesday to discuss

painting Cabrini.

                The church acquired the white house across the street, as well as the house on 18th St.

They will both be demolished and be empty lots for now. We would like to obtain the NAPA

building and the house next to Cabrini in the future.

                The Parish Council discussed its alcohol policy as well, and will be adopting a Parish

wide policy. Basically, a liquor license is necessary and will be obtained for any events where

alcohol will be sold. The council also pointed out that a notation should be included on any flyer

or advertisement for events, expressing whether it is a non-alcohol event.

                Server training will begin in the spring. Fr. Mark is considering having eighth graders

help train the younger students. Schedules will then be put together.

 

Dates for future meetings

                The next board meeting will be Tuesday, January 11 @ 6:00pm.

Future dates include: February 8, March 15, April 12, May 10, and June 14.

 

Closing Prayer

                Fr. Mark led the Board in a closing prayer.

 

Adjournment

                Liz I. motioned to adjourn at 6:30, and Barry seconded.

November 2021

OLMC School Board Meeting Minutes

November 9, 2021

 

Members Present:  Jason Swann, Leigh Gusta, Melissa Kramer, Angela Holmes, Mary Bondioli, Barry Vesciglio, Amanda Brazis, Liz Issler Scott Stefan, Marlyn Cairatti, Liz Lively, MaryEdna Russell and Tammy Pullum were present. 

 

1. Opening Prayer

                Leigh called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm and led the Board in prayer.

               

2.  School Committee report

                Kent Ingersoll was not available for report. 

 

3.  Principal’s Report

 

COVID Testing for Unvaccinated Staff

                5 staff members are testing weekly on Wednesdays.  No issues.  Test results are kept on file for possible audit.  No positive results to date. 

Discussion about OLMC Alcohol Policy (Parish Council)

                This topic is for discussion only currently.  An alcohol policy is needed for school and parish events and will be set soon.  Mr. Swann will bring a few sample policies for review to help with this process.    

Aides – Recess Aides

                We still need 1-2 recess aides/aides.  These are paid part-time positions. 

Return to tabled item – Yearbook outline and uniform pictures

                Mr. Swann commented that we did vote on this prior and then tabled the item.  (Vote was students would wear their uniforms in the yearbook photo.)  After much discussion, prior vote will not change. 

School Board President’s Report from Finance Sub-Committee

                As info, Leigh reported on a new group she has formed and is leading per Father Mark’s request.  Leigh, Liz Lively, Mary, Sara Hagler and Jason Swann are part of this newly formed group.  The purpose of this group is to help the parish grow again and invite families to come back after COVID and other reasons.   This is not a fund-raising group but instead looking to build community.  More details to come.   

Other School Related Business

                New mulch has been placed on the playground.  Thank you to all the families that assisted. 

4.  Approval of September Minutes

                 Liz I. made a motion to approve September minutes and Mary seconded. All were in favor, none opposed.     

5.  Pastor’s Report:  Father Mark Reyling (not in attendance)

                Mr. Swann gave the following report.  We are looking for a few priests to do masses this weekend due to the passing of Father Mark’s mother earlier this morning. 

  

 

Next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14 @ 6:00pm. 

 

 Liz I. motioned to adjourn at 7:11, and Melissa seconded. 

September 2021

OLMC School Board Meeting Minutes

September 14, 2021

 

Members Present:  Jason Swann, Leigh Gusta, Melissa Kramer, Angela Holmes, Mary Bondioli, Barry Vesciglio, Amanda Brazis, Liz Issler Scott Stefan, and Marlyn Cairatti were present.  Liz Lively, MaryEdna Russell and Tammy Pullum were absent. 

 

1. Opening Prayer

                Leigh called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, and Mr. Swann led the Board in prayer.

               

2.  School Committee report

                Kent Ingersoll reported that this Sunday is the Pork Steak Dinner.  Some meals are still available for purchase.  Must order by 9/15.  All meals TO GO. 

 

5K and Bocce on October 9.  We are expecting the number of participants in the 5K to be down due to COVID.  More info to come next week on these items.

 

Other Upcoming Items include:

Butter Braid sales in November

Three Fish Fries to be held during Lent.  All will be TO GO meals. 

Possible Pork Steak Dinner in Spring. 

Possible partnership with Sergio in near future. 

Golf Scramble is scheduled for the Spring.  More info to follow. 

Calendars will be coming out in early November. 

 

Lunchroom Parents/New Assessment update - 1 person is interested.  More info will be sent out to all families to gauge further interest.  Those interested will assist in lunchroom and playground. 

 

3.  Principal’s Report

 

COVID Testing – Vaccination Update

Working out how to facilitate this requirement.  Gathering vaccination cards.  This requirement includes ALL teachers, staff, substitute teachers, volunteers, etc.  Herrin Unit 4 is using Achieve Testing to meet these requirements. Mr. Swann is checking with Achieve to look at possible partnership.  Also looking at Shield for this same purpose however we may not have the minimum required for their program.  Hoping to have more info soon.  Look for updates on this via email. 

 

Free Lunch Update – Fiscal

Lunches are free only for this year.  We will apply for this grant next year.  We have been reimbursed for August.  We can purchase some new equipment for the kitchen. 

 

Aides – Recess Aides

Looking for additional nurse and aides.  See ad in bulletin for more detail. 

 

Students/classroom & Health Department

OLMC follows Health Department directives.  This is our policy.  We require a release from quarantine and a negative test for return.  7 students are currently out for this reason. 

 

Key Fob Entry on Cherry Street Door

Looking to put key fob on this door.  It will be expensive.  $3-4.5K to do this.  Will consider after reviewing the info. 

 

Convocation Friday, October 8

This is a teachers’ event.  There will be no school on this day.  Also, next Tuesday there is a principal’s meeting on 9/21.  Mr. Swann will be in Belleville for this. 

 

Other School Related Business

Some students not following dress code.  This may be due to some uniform orders being on backorder. 

Lockdown drill held on 9/14 went well. 

Sept 19 at 11 am has been named Catechetical Sunday by Father Mark.  Faculty will be present and be recognized.         

The importance of board votes was discussed.  The yearbook photo decision will be tabled. 

 

4.  Approval of August Minutes

                 Melissa made a motion to approve August minutes with Jason’s amendment, and Mary seconded. All were in favor, none opposed.   (Yearbook photo issue will be tabled at this time) 

 

5.  Pastor’s Report:  Father Mark Reyling

                Meeting tomorrow at 7 pm for school board, finance committee and parish council. 

Vandalism issues with school and church include damage to the fountain motor, fence kicked in, and more.  The police are doing extra patrols.  

 

Next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12 @ 6:00pm.

 

 Liz motioned to adjourn at 6:46, and Marlyn seconded.