Board Entertains Capital Projects Proposal
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education called their regular meeting to order on February 22, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the grade school learning center. All members were present less Rob Smith.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda which included the payment of bills, the sales tax revenue report, board minutes from January 18, 2023, February 2, 2023 Special Meeting, February 13, 2023 Special Meeting, executive session minutes from January 18, February 2 and February 13, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.
Under Reports, Superintendent Lamkey informed the Board of a gift of two pallets of disinfectant wipes that Edinburg Schools could not use. He then took questions on the rest of his report.
The discipline report revealed that the high school has had three in school suspensions and three out of school suspensions. The grade school had two students suspended out of school.
There were three Freedom of Information Act requests in the last month, Mike Chandler requested a copy of the ESSER grant, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association requested a list of retiring teachers and Local Labs requested salary information for teachers over the last three years.
There was no unfinished business from previous meetings.
In New Business, the Board participated in several discussion items, the first being a proposal by Kellen Wilham requesting that seniors with straight A’s be able to opt out of last hour study hall. The Board agreed to take the request under consideration when approving the student handbook for 2024.
The following discussion was centered around a presentation by Engie concerning future capital projects. Engie is a general contractor who manages building renovation projects. In December, Engie surveyed Mt. Pulaski Schools and developed a tentative list of potential projects. The survey was done at no cost to the district. Engie provides the Board with another option when considering renovation, repair and update projects. The Board plans to further discuss capital projects once teacher contract negotiations are completed and the FY2024 budget becomes more clear. The Board has yet to make a commitment to any projects beyond this summer.
New policy change at the December meeting allows the Board to have 40 days to seat newly elected members after the spring election. Mr. Lamkey made the Board aware that the April or May meeting may need to be moved unless there is a special meeting called to seat the new members within the allotted 40 day period. Board members agreed to check their calendars and the issue would be revisited in March.
Mrs. Fricke announced proposed changes in the MPHS Summer Credit Recovery Program. In past years, students attend school 4 hours a day for 8 weeks to recover high school credit for classes that they have failed during the school year. Mrs. Fricke’s proposal will allow students to remain at home and work online while being monitored weekly. The Board agreed to the change in programming.
The Illinois State Police is requesting schools approve a resolution to make a commitment to the new Clear and Present Danger Program. President Cowan explained the program which is designed to track individuals who have committed crimes or made threats against schools and/or their personnel. The resolution is under review by our district’s attorney and will be considered for approval at a later date.
Principal Fricke opened a discussion with the Board to consider paying for the transportation for the Senior Trip. Each year it is difficult to line up transportation amidst the busy spring schedule and the district is committed to performing fewer fundraisers. The Board gave the go ahead to book a charter bus for seniors this year and in future years.
The first action item of the evening was renewing the district's agreement with the Lincolnland Technical Education Center with a 6-0 vote.
The 2023-24 MPCUSD23 school calendar was then approved 6-0. The major differences in next year's calendar include a later Christmas break, which begins with student dismissal on December 21, 2023 and ends with their return to school on January 8, 2024. The other change was moving Spring Break from Easter weekend to March 11-15 which falls between the 3rd and 4th quarter. Easter weekend will be a four day weekend taking the Friday before and the Monday after Easter off.
In the past four years, MPHS has added six new dual credit courses to the curriculum. On Wednesday night, the Board approved course handbook changes for a Consumer Science Class and an Agriculture Class which will align with Lincoln Land Community College. The measure passed 6-0.
In December, the Board asked the athletic department to put together a plan to complete the MPHS Training Room. Mr. Deibert presented the recommendations on Wednesday night which includes new equipment and room aesthetics. The recommendations came from a collaboration of coaches and staff which kept not only athletes, but all students in mind. The Board approved the request 6-0.
Next on the docket was the Personnel report which was approved 6-0 containing 7 hires and 2 resignations.
Hires
Joel Washko MPHS Baseball Coach
Troy Burgard MPHS Assistant Baseball Coach
Jamie Anderson MPGS Boys Track Coach
Mindy Switzer MPGS Girls Track Coach
Gale Clark MPHS Track Coach
August Casson MPHS Part Time Drivers Education Teacher
Karyl Davis MPHS Volunteer Drama Assistant
Resignations
Travis Lingafelter MPHS Softball Coach
Travis Lingafelter MPGS Softball Coach
Once last employment action was the approval of Stephen Martin as the MPHS Volunteer Drama Assistant which passed 5-0-1.
Under Items of Information, President Cowan looked to get approval from the Board to attend the next Mt. Pulaski City Council meeting to discuss sidewalks, trees and parking at the grade school. Mr. Martin also updated the Board on the park district's efforts to sell Veterans Park. Before any sale can take place, the park board needs to conduct two more appraisals.
Mrs. Fricke informed the Board that Makenna Wilham was the MPHS Senior of the month!
The Board then moved into executive session at 8:17 PM to discuss student discipline, employment, board evaluation and collective bargaining. The Board returned to regular session at 10:07 PM. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the MPGS Learning Center.