District Budget on Course
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education called their regular meeting to order on January 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the grade school learning center.
After Roll Call, the Board entered into Executive Session to discuss items dealing with Board self evaluation, evaluation of staff, employment, purchase of property and collective bargaining. The Board returned to open session at 6:13 PM.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda which included the payment of bills, the sales tax revenue report, board minutes from December 19, 2022 and executive session minutes from December 19, 2022. The motion passed 7-0.
There was no unfinished business from the previous meetings.
In New Business, the Board voted to keep minutes from previous executive sessions closed with a 7-0 vote. Next, the Board voted 7-0 to postpone the approval of the Reduction in Force list to give the union more time to review its contents.
The Board then approved MPHS Course Catalog changes to accommodate Dual Credit Algebra. The new guidelines align with the Lincoln Land Community College who is providing the college credit. Principal Fricke also elaborated about other dual credit math classes. The Board the changes approved 7-0.
A topic in the news recently has been HB 5188 concerning mandatory sex education curriculum to all public schools. The measure passed last summer, but offered school districts the opportunity to opt out of the curriculum. Mt. Pulaski set a policy that specifically opted District 23 out of using this curriculum. Over the most recent legislative session, lawmakers were seeking to amend the bill to once again make the curriculum mandatory for all public schools. The Mt. Pulaski Board of Education communicated their lack of support for any such bill. The bill failed to gain the backing necessary for a vote and was never called to the floor. Superintendent Lamkey will stay abreast of this bill in the event that it resurfaces during another legislative session.
A formal announcement of MPGS Promotion and MPHS Graduation dates was also communicated. The grade school will promote 8th grade students on Friday, May 19th at 3:00 PM. High school graduation will be the following Sunday, May 21st at 3:00 PM.
Superintendent Lamkey offered the Board a mid-year budget report that reflected all funds in very good shape! All funds are under budget, with the exception of the Building and Transportation funds which were slightly over budget showing 53% of budget funds spent just over halfway through the school year. Mr. Lamkey informed the Board that this is not a concern nor is it uncommon as these funds tend to have more expenditures in the first semester. Superintendent Lamkey also reported that all funds are carrying a balance at or above our minimum fund balance which is designed to provide the district security in a time of financial stress. The only fund falling under the minimum fund balance is the Building and Grounds Fund which is still recovering from the construction of the high school.
The Board then heard from Mr. Lamkey about his progress toward his personal employment goals. Superintendent Lamkey has three basic goal areas which include communication, fiscal responsibility and instructional programming. The Board will use this report to inform their evaluation of the superintendent.
Mr. Lamkey then proposed an opportunity for a high school track cooperative with Lincoln Community High School. Currently, MPHS does not have a track coach nor applicants for the position as they anticipate fewer than 10 athletes for the upcoming season. After a discussion between administrators from each district, each Board took the possibility of a co-op to a vote. The advantage for MPHS would be allowing our athletes to compete on a competitive team, participating on a new running track and benefitting from a larger coaching staff. After a discussion, the motion failed to receive a second and died.
The last action items on the agenda fell in the Personnel Report. In two separate votes, the Board approved Mackenzy Payne as a MPGS Math Teacher and accepted the resignation of Sam Brown as MPHS Paraprofessional and Cheer Coach. Both measures passed 7-0 and 6-0-1 respectively.
With no more business on the agenda, the Board re-entered executive session for the purpose of the evaluation of specific staff. They adjourned at 7:12 PM. The next meeting will be February 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM in the MPGS Learning Center with the open meeting beginning after 6:00 PM.