Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education Meeting Summary
June 24, 2026
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for an executive session, an amended budget hearing, and a special board meeting that was a rescheduling of last week’s regular board meeting due to severe weather. The Board approved all major action items necessary to close out the 2025-2026 fiscal year while also taking significant steps toward the district's future facility improvements and continued investment in students and staff.
Celebrating Student Success
The Board recognized two outstanding student-athletes for their accomplishments at the IHSA State Track & Field Championships. Resolutions were presented honoring Piper Tyson and Carter Clark for qualifying and competing in the state discus competition.
Budget Hearing and Financial Planning
Following the required public hearing, the Board approved the amended 2025-2026 budget. The amendment was necessary primarily due to required interfund transfers. No members of the public attended the hearing or offered comments. The Board also authorized the district to continue paying salaries, bills, materials, and supplies until the FY27 budget is officially adopted.
Major Step Toward Grade School Renovation Project
One of the most significant actions of the evening was the approval of a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $20.08 million in a General Obligation Debt Certificate. This action begins the financing process for the Mt. Pulaski Grade School renovation and construction project.
Administration explained that the district is beginning the bond process early to ensure construction can begin next summer. Importantly, projected revenue from the local wind farm project is expected to offset the debt payments, allowing the district to complete the project without increasing the local tax rate.
Athletics and Activities Update
Administration presented the spring athletic report on behalf of the Activities Director.
Highlights included:
Strong spring athletic participation and successful seasons.
Continued challenges in recruiting officials for several sports, with the Board expressing support for increasing official pay where necessary.
Progress on the Grade School gym renovation, including installation of a new gym floor and air conditioning, in July.
Discussion regarding high school boys' soccer participation. Only nine students initially expressed interest, making it difficult to field a team. Coach Wilson informed everyone that signups have now increased to 11, and he is hopeful that some of the 11 incoming Zion freshmen are interested. The Board emphasized its desire to preserve the district's soccer program while exploring future cooperative opportunities that would better serve student-athletes.
Announcement that the inaugural MPHS Hall of Fame ceremony will take place this September.
8th Grade Promotion Discussion
The Board discussed community feedback regarding 8th-grade promotion ceremonies. Several board members shared that families value recognizing this important milestone and would like to see the ceremony return as a separate evening event.
The discussion also focused on scheduling concerns, including avoiding conflicts with the IESA State Track & Field Meet and ensuring eighth-grade students remain engaged through the regular end of the school year, just like all other students. No formal action was taken, and the conversation will continue.
Administrative Contracts and Staff Compensation
The Board approved:
Contract extensions for MPHS Principal Heather Fricke, MPGS Principal Danielle Lora, and Curriculum Director Linda Smith.
Annual compensation increases for multiple employee groups.
A $1,500 stipend in addition to salary increases for designated employee groups.
Increased compensation for vocational, special education, Pre-K, and extracurricular trip assignments for the bus drivers.
Personnel Approvals
The Board approved a comprehensive personnel report that included:
Hiring a new elementary paraprofessional.
Summer custodial staff.
Coaching assignments and volunteer coaches for numerous middle school and high school athletic programs for the upcoming school year.
The personnel report passed with one dissenting vote. The administration also indicated that future annual extracurricular personnel reports will likely include club sponsor appointments.
Physical Education Exemptions
Administration shared research from several Illinois school districts regarding Physical Education exemptions that allow students greater flexibility to use PE Exemptions.
Board members expressed interest in creating a policy that provides flexibility for students while remaining compliant with state requirements. Discussion included expanding exemptions beyond dual credit to include students participating in multiple sports and other educational opportunities. Draft policy language is expected to be presented for Board consideration at the July meeting.
Other Board Actions
The Board also approved:
Payment of monthly bills.
Sales tax revenue reports.
Previous meeting minutes.
FCCLA conference travel and expenses.
The annual PERA Handbook has no changes from the previous year.
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.