Board of Education Meeting Summary
Regular Meeting – November 17, 2025
Location: Mt. Pulaski Grade School Library
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025. All seven board members were present.
Energy Transition Community Grant (ETCG) Public Hearing
The Board conducted an ETCG public hearing, during which Superintendent Spang shared that the district will receive approximately $56,000 in year one of the grant. He will attend an upcoming webinar on Phase 2 requirements. Mr. Spang recommended applying the funds toward capital improvements, as the grant has flexible spending parameters. The hearing adjourned at 7:04 PM.
Good News
Senior of the Month – Alyson Murphy
Alyson is active in FFA (serving as historian), NHS, Yearbook, and Spirit Squad.
Student Athlete of the Month – Alyson Murphy, MPHS Volleyball
Alyson was recognized by coach Emma Aper for her leadership and performance during the volleyball season.
Consent Agenda Approved
The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
Payment of bills
Sales tax revenue report: $42,842.77
October 15, 2025, regular & executive session minutes
Superintendent Spang noted that the strong sales tax revenue continues to support tax abatement efforts.
Administrative Reports
High School Principal – Mrs. Fricke
Highlights included:
FFA’s trip to Nationals
Senior caps and gowns ordered
Entryway kiosk restored
The NHS and the Student Council are coordinating donations for displaced families
Successful FCCLA blood drive
Well-attended Veterans Day ceremony and “Meet the Toppers”
Upcoming band concerts and hosting of the FFA Dairy Contest
CPR training for all coaches completed
Grade School Principal – Mrs. Lora
Updates included:
8th graders attending the Lincoln Career Fair
PK–3 attending Spooktacular
Attendance at IPA and NWEA conferences
Review of instructional strategies and re-implementation conversations with the BLT
Hosting the IESA Speech Contest with nearly 500 attendees
Completed hearing and vision screenings
A strong Veterans Day concert and a split-format winter concert are planned
Curriculum Director – Mrs. Smith
Reviewing math curriculum needs; meeting scheduled with Mr. Copley
Progress monitoring tools created for Amplify
Collaboration with staff on curriculum maps
ISBE instructional coaching support in place
Seal of Biliteracy tests ordered
Activities Director
First-round interviews completed for the open AD position; second-round interviews scheduled for early December
Boys and girls basketball seasons are beginning with high expectations.
Unfinished Business
Tentative Tax Levy Presentation
Superintendent Spang presented an overview of the balloon levy strategy.
Key points:
Levying over 105% will require a Truth in Taxation hearing in December
Districts must disclose Education, O&M, and Transportation Funds
Levy will be set to ensure the district does not “leave money on the table” given decreased state funding
The district remains mindful of long-term tax rate goals while balancing revenue needs
Addendum to Superintendent Spang’s Contract – Approved
The Board unanimously approved the addendum recognizing his service as interim Activities/Athletic Director.
New Business
Board Negotiations Team
The Board reaffirmed its past practice that all seven board members will serve on the negotiations team.
Assessment Reduction Requests
The district received assessment reduction notices from Viper Mine and INB.
Superintendent Spang will attend hearings and report back to the Board.
Commercial Insurance Summary
Premiums have increased, though participation in a cooperative helped limit the rise.
Dual Credit Course Discussion
The Board engaged in a thoughtful discussion about:
Rigor of dual credit courses
Student readiness and stress levels
Whether some courses should remain non–dual credit. Administration will review next year’s junior class to determine whether alternative tracks are needed.
MPGS Gymnasium Air Conditioning Proposals
Discussion focused on:
Bid comparisons from EL Pruitt and Entec
How A/C installation would interact with boiler operation
Long-term functionality of the “old gym” during construction of the new building
Seating capacity and power availability for the future gym. The Board did not take action but continues evaluating options.
Veterans Park Lighting
Upgrading electrical service will be required before lighting improvements can be made to the track and athletic fields. Superintendent Spang will vet multiple additional quotes for the project.
Personnel Actions
The Board approved Items XI.G.1–8 and XI.G.10 unanimously. These included several coaching resignations and hires.
Item XI.G.9 MPHS Boys Basketball Co-Assistant Coach – Eric Cowan was approved 5–2 after discussion.
Items of Information
Planning is underway for a District Holiday Party on January 10 for all staff and spouses, with a start time of 6 p.m.
Administrators are preparing data for the District Improvement Plan, which will be presented in May.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM.