Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education August Meeting Summary
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The meeting included recognition of outstanding student accomplishments, updates on the start of the new school year, continued progress on the Grade School construction project, discussion of the tentative FY27 budget, and steps in the district's financing plan for the upcoming construction project.
Celebrating Hilltopper Success
The Board recognized several outstanding student accomplishments.
MPHS Shotgun Sports continued its tremendous run of success by once again completing the "trifecta," winning the Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clay State Championships. Resolutions were presented to members of the championship teams, national team participants, and individual state placers.
The Board also recognized Special Olympics athletes Hannah Curto, James Curto, and Atticus Hickey for their accomplishments at State competition in basketball, shot put, and the 100- and 400-meter walks. Congratulations to all of our students and coaches for representing Mt. Pulaski so well!
A Great Start to the 2026–2027 School Year
Administrators reported a positive start to the new school year. MPHS had approximately 90% student and parent participation in Freshman Bootcamp, while the MPGS experienced strong attendance at its Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten round-ups.
The new air conditioning in the MPGS gymnasium has also been a welcome addition. Technology issues associated with the beginning of the school year have been addressed, and MAP testing will begin soon. Athletic participation is showing increases in some sports, and the inaugural Mount Pulaski Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during the Fall Festival.
Grade School Project & District Financing
The Board took another significant step toward the Mt. Pulaski Grade School construction and renovation project by adopting the sale resolution. The district has received $20 million in project proceeds. The district will not receive or take out additional project funding as a result of the ability to refund existing bonds. At this time, the plan is to refinance only a small portion of the Series 2019B Bonds, approximately $700,000. This would provide additional flexibility to account for interest on the new bonds while helping maintain a consistent tax rate. Because interest rates change daily, the district wants to maintain the ability to take advantage of potential savings if favorable rates are available when bonds are ultimately priced and the interest rates are locked in.
Administration reported that the district has already received the initial $20 million in construction funding and earned an A+ credit rating from Standard & Poor's. The Board also discussed its desire to formally demonstrate its intent to use future wind farm revenue to make the bond payments and avoid increasing the tax burden associated with the project. Administration will research development of a Board resolution reflecting that commitment.
Grade School Construction Update
With the required resolutions approved and the 30-day petition period completed, the district is moving forward with the Grade School project.
Administration, the Building and Grounds Committee, and Grade School leadership continue to work closely with the architects to refine the building plans. Discussion focused on ensuring the renovated building provides adequate classroom space not only for today's needs but also for future enrollment and programming changes. Board members expressed support for including additional space where possible rather than designing the building without room for future growth.
FY27 Tentative Budget
The Board reviewed the tentative 2026–2027 District Budget, which is currently available for public inspection at the District Office and on the district website.
The tentative FY27 budget is balanced. A formal budget hearing will be held before the Board considers final adoption of the budget in September.
Board Policy Updates
The Board approved and adopted PRESS Policy Update 122. One notable change involves Board Policy 2:230 regarding public participation at Board meetings. Under the updated policy, individual public comments will be limited to three minutes rather than five minutes. The remaining policy updates primarily consisted of required five-year reviews.
The Board also approved its annual Superintendent Succession Plan, establishing the chain of responsibility should the superintendent be temporarily unavailable.
Supporting Student Opportunities
The Board approved the creation of a new High School Athletics Scholarship Activity Account following a donation received by the high school over the summer. The new account will allow the district to appropriately hold and distribute scholarship funds benefiting MPHS student-athletes.
Personnel
The Board approved several personnel actions for the new school year, including:
Shannon Cabit
as MPGS Music Teacher.
Ashley Sanders
as MPGS Paraprofessional.
Tammy Hawley
as District Bus Driver.
Mentor teacher assignments at MPHS and MPGS.
Coaching and activity sponsor appointments.
Maternity leave for an MPGS paraprofessional.
Several resignations from paraprofessional and coaching positions.
The Board also accepted letters of intent to retire from longtime teachers Gale Clark and Michele Clark following the 2029–2030 school year. Additionally, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding allowing the administration to adjust Gale Clark’s schedule as part of his teacher retirement incentive.
Looking Ahead
The Board discussed the district calendar and the challenges created when the start of school overlaps with the Illinois State Fair, particularly for students involved in 4-H and other fair activities. At the same time, the district must consider dual-credit scheduling requirements through Lincoln Land Community College. MPHS currently has 92 students participating in dual-credit courses.
Administration will develop multiple calendar options for the Board to consider for the 2027–2028 school year. Administration will also begin working with the MPEA and a Board committee to implement the new sick bank included in the most recent collective bargaining agreement.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.