Quincy School Board honors athletes, musicians; task force approved to study elementary school boundaries

QUINCY — Notable achievements by students and important decisions for the district were approved during the Quincy School Board meeting on Wednesday night. 

Twelve Quincy High School student-athletes were recognized for qualifying for the state competition in various fall sports, including boys’ golf, girls’ and boys’ cross country and girls’ tennis. Annika Reddy was awarded the Tom Pitchford Sportsmanship Award by the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association.

Additionally, 28 QHS music students were celebrated for earning spots as Illinois Music Education Association All-State musicians, showcasing their talent in chorus, orchestra and band.

The meeting also saw the approval of more than 35 grants aimed at supporting various school programs and initiatives.

The superintendent’s task force on the elementary school boundary study was approved. This task force will comprise members of the central administration, principals and staff from each elementary school, parent representatives, School Board members and community members who can apply to join. The goal is to evaluate and possibly adjust the elementary school boundaries to ensure a balanced distribution of students.

“Our goal is to have somewhat of a balance when we are looking at our free and reduced rates,” Board President Shelley Arns said, stressing the importance of ensuring equitable school placement for all students.

Superintendent Todd Petitt shared his hope to have a boundary recommendation ready for the upcoming school year.

The board discussed several facilities updates, including the installation of new lights for the softball and baseball fields beginning July 7. Neither field will have lights for the upcoming spring season, news that became public last month as the light poles were brought down because they were determined to be safety hazards.

The girls’ softball team will begin the season at Moorman Park. In April, games will be played at Quincy High School with varsity start times of 4 p.m. on weekdays. Baseball teams will begin the season playing games at QU Stadium, then shift to QHS and Boots Bush.

The School Board also learned the installation of new lockers is underway for the girls’ track locker room at Flinn Stadium.

During the board’s review of the Mid-Year Student Measures of Improvement Report, Arns noted seventh- and eighth-grade reading scores are showing promising growth, aligning with the expected national standards.

The board granted an easement request from Ameren for a potential multi-family development east of Rooney Elementary.