September 16, 2026
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The meeting included adoption of the FY27 budget, continued discussions regarding the Grade School construction project, recognition of outstanding students, approval of several district policies, and exploration of new educational opportunities for students.
Celebrating Hilltopper Success
The Board recognized two outstanding MPHS students for their accomplishments and contributions to the district:
Senior of the Month – Carter Clark: Carter was recognized for his involvement in athletics, school activities, and volunteer service.
Student-Athlete of the Month – Jeremiah Woodford: Jeremiah was recognized for his leadership on the soccer team, willingness to help others, and positive influence on his teammates.
Congratulations to both students for representing Mt. Pulaski so well!
FY27 Budget Adopted
Following the required public hearing, the Board unanimously approved the 2026–2027 district budget.
Administration provided a comparison of the previous year's budget with the new fiscal year and reported that the district projects an overall positive financial position. No members of the public addressed the Board during the budget hearing.
The adopted budget establishes the district's financial plan for the current school year while supporting continued investments in educational programming, staffing, and facilities.
Grade School Construction Project Update
One of the most significant discussions of the evening centered on the future of the Mt. Pulaski Grade School construction and renovation project.
Representatives from CORE Construction and Graham & Hyde Architects presented updated information regarding the project's scope, estimated costs, and construction timeline.
The current conceptual plan includes a 27,000-square-foot addition featuring seven new classrooms and a gymnasium, which could be completed within the district's approximately $20 million construction budget.
The discussion focused on balancing several important priorities:
Providing additional classroom space and addressing current instructional needs.
Improving facilities for special education programming.
Determining whether the new gymnasium should be constructed now or postponed.
Addressing renovation needs within the existing building.
Managing future construction cost increases.
Grade School Principal Danielle Lora expressed concerns about prioritizing gymnasium space over classroom and special education needs. Several board members supported, and no board members opposed, moving forward with the additional classrooms and gymnasium while completing renovations in future phases. The board of education also discussed financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
CORE Construction explained that construction costs have historically increased about 5% annually versus annual CPI increases of about 2%, emphasizing the financial implications of delaying new construction and how that would increase costs over time; they ultimately recommended proceeding with new construction first and then renovating with future revenue.
The Board asked administration to develop a prioritized list of future facility renovation needs for discussion at the next Buildings and Grounds meeting.
The anticipated timeline includes bidding in early 2027, beginning construction in summer 2027, and occupying the addition in fall 2028.
Financial Policies and Bond Oversight
The Board approved two financial measures intended to strengthen the district's financial management practices.
Disclosure Policies and Procedures Resolution: Recommended by the district's bond counsel, Chapman and Cutler, this resolution establishes procedures related to the district's financial disclosure responsibilities throughout the bond process. Approval does not authorize additional borrowing.
Board Policy 4:20 – Fund Balances: The Board adopted updated language establishing a recommended year-end operating fund balance of 15%-20%. Chapman & Cutler and Standard & Poor's recommended this policy as part of the district's financial management practices.
Community Use of Athletic Facilities
The Board unanimously approved a new Athletic Facility Use Agreement and Waiver for Non-School Groups.
The agreement establishes a more formal process for outside organizations seeking to utilize district athletic facilities and addresses concerns surrounding facility use and liability.
The Board also considered revisions to Policy 8:20 that would expand access to district workout facilities for eligible former employees and former board members.
Board members discussed concerns regarding building security, the number of access cards distributed throughout the community, and how expanded access would benefit students and the district.
Although the second reading passed, the motion to formally adopt the revised policy failed 3–3. As a result, the district did not adopt the proposed revisions.
District Improvement and Academic Updates
Building administrators shared updates regarding student achievement and ongoing improvement initiatives.
At MPHS, Principal Heather Fricke reported encouraging fall MAP assessment results for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Principal reports have also been aligned with the District Improvement Plan to provide a more consistent focus on district priorities.
At MPGS, Principal Danielle Lora highlighted several initiatives, including forming an Attendance Committee, implementing Student Support Team meetings, and continuing to analyze student achievement data.
Curriculum Director Linda Smith also reported that work is underway with Jamie Selinger to develop a new high school English Language Arts curriculum.
Athletics and Activities
Activities Director Joel Washko provided updates on fall athletics and several ongoing initiatives.
The inaugural MPHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a success, with strong community attendance. Nominations for next year's class will remain open through March, and the district emphasized that recognition is not limited to athletic accomplishments.
Additional updates included:
Continued development of mental skills programming for student-athletes through the Student Advisory Committee and Matt Thomann.
Preliminary discussions with Riverton regarding a possible wrestling cooperative agreement.
Updates on the fall athletic seasons at both MPHS and MPGS.
Exploring a Fire Science Program
The Board discussed an exciting potential new educational opportunity for MPHS students beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
High School Principal Heather Fricke shared information about a proposed Fire Science course developed in partnership with the Mt. Pulaski Fire Department.
The program would provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to explore firefighting careers while helping develop future volunteer firefighters for the community.
The initial program would be limited to approximately ten students, with the possibility of opening enrollment to neighboring school districts.
The Board expressed support for exploring the opportunity further and allowing administration to gauge student interest before making a final decision.
Personnel and Superintendent Goals
The Board unanimously approved the superintendent's goals for the 2026–2027 school year. These goals are aligned with the district's established District Improvement Plan.
The Board also approved the monthly personnel report, including:
Acceptance of Shelby Bailey's resignation as an MPGS paraprofessional.
Hiring Hillary Rubenacker and Emily Wakeman as MPGS paraprofessionals.
Hiring Sallie Tschantz as MPGS 5th/6th Grade Volleyball Coach.
Physical Education Exemption Discussion
Community members addressed the Board regarding the district's Physical Education exemption policy, requesting clarification about previous changes and consideration of additional flexibility for students.
The Board discussed the topic again during items of information. Board members acknowledged the ongoing concerns, including whether further revisions or reconsideration of the exemption policy may be appropriate. No formal action was taken on the PE exemption policy during the September meeting; however, the Policy Committee agreed to meet again as soon as possible to consider removing all previously agreed-upon exemption language and reverting to last year's policy.
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.