The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education met on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the Mt. Pulaski Grade School Library. The meeting included an executive session followed by the regular meeting.
Executive Session
The Board met in executive session to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining. No action was taken during the executive session.
Recognition & Celebrations
Hilltopper Medallion Award: The Board proudly recognized Dean Cates as the inaugural recipient of the Hilltopper Medallion, honoring his decades of dedication and support of Mt. Pulaski schools and the community.
Senior of the Month: Charity Woodford was recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in FCCLA, Student Advisory Committee, and the Entrepreneurship program. She was also named an Illinois State Scholar.
Student Athlete of the Month: Elayna Marten was honored for exemplifying the ideals of a student-athlete as a three-sport athlete and straight-A student.
Public Comment
MPHS Baseball assigner Colby Huff thanked the Board for considering an increase in baseball officials’ pay and for recognizing the importance of supporting officials.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda, including:
Payment of bills
Sales tax revenue report totaling $42,228.14
Minutes from the December 17, 2025, regular and executive session meetings
Minutes from the January 5 and January 19, 2026 special meetings and executive sessions
Financial Report
The Board received a presentation on the Annual Financial Report (AFR) from the district’s auditor, Amanda Wells, from KEB. Two minor internal control recommendations were noted, and the auditors confirmed the district’s financial statements were properly represented.
Administrative Reports
High School: Three MPHS students were named Illinois State Scholars and will be recognized at the February Board Meeting with Board Resolutions. They are Eric Cooper, Charity Woodford, and Franklin Wade. MAP and ACT testing updates were shared, along with upcoming Topper Week activities.
Grade School: MAP data showed encouraging growth, including an increase in overall math from 59% to 64%.
Curriculum: Updates were provided on high school math curriculum selection, handwriting curriculum review, and upcoming professional development.
Activities: Updates included winter sports results, planning for the shooting sports program, improvements to athletic facilities, and strong participation and interest in extracurricular programs.
Action Items
The Board approved:
Superintendent evaluation
Increase in baseball officials’ pay to $100 for varsity games and $90 for JV games
Annual Financial Report
Reduction in Force (RIF) list
Tree removal on the high school campus
Personnel report, including retirements, resignations, and coaching appointments
Items of Information
The district’s newly formed Special Olympics team earned a gold medal and will advance to state competition.
Updates were shared on the Rhithm mental health screener pilot and on the opt-out option for parents, which was emailed home to families.
Facility improvement discussions included sound mitigation in the high school weight room area.
February meeting dates may be adjusted due to athletic events and facility planning presentations.
The district continues to monitor winter weather and prepare for potential E-Learning days this week.