Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education Meeting Summary
July 15, 2026
The Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23 Board of Education met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, for an executive session, a required Bond Issue Notification Act hearing, and its regular monthly meeting. The Board conducted several annual organizational actions, celebrated student and staff accomplishments, approved key policies, and continued moving forward with the Grade School renovation project.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
The Board celebrated several outstanding accomplishments across the district:
IESA State Track & Field
– Grade School student-athletes who qualified for the IESA State Track & Field Championships were recognized for an outstanding season. Several athletes earned state medals, and the Board thanked Coaches Jamie Anderson and Mindy Switzer for their leadership.
Hilltopper Medallion Award
– Jamie Anderson received the Quarterly-Recognized Hilltopper Medallion in recognition of his tremendous impact on students through teaching, coaching, and organizing Jr. Topper leagues. Board members praised his dedication and commitment to Mt. Pulaski students.
FCCLA National Success
– The Board recognized Mt. Pulaski FCCLA students for another exceptional year. The Parliamentary Procedure team captured the
State Championship
and finished
Second in the Nation
, while the Promote & Publicize team earned a State Runner-Up finish and a Bronze rating at the National Leadership Conference.
BINA Hearing and Grade School Project Financing
Prior to the regular meeting, the Board conducted the legally required BINA (Bond Issue Notification Act) hearing regarding its intent to issue up to $20.5 million in Funding Bonds.
During the hearing:
Administration explained that Illinois law requires the hearing in order for bonds to be issued.
Questions from the public focused on how the renovation project would be funded and the future impact on the district's tax rate.
Administration explained that projected revenue generated from the new wind farm east of Mt. Pulaski is expected to provide the funding needed to support the project while minimizing the impact on taxpayers.
Discussion also included questions regarding future tax rates once construction bonds are retired.
Following the hearing, the Board approved the Resolution of Intent to Issue the Funding Bonds, continuing the financing process for the Grade School renovation project. Board members also requested additional clarification regarding future tax rates as the financing progresses.
Activities and Athletics Update
Activities Director Joel Washko highlighted another successful school year and looked ahead to the upcoming athletic seasons.
Topics included:
New junior high girls' basketball opportunities.
High school league scheduling for basketball and volleyball.
Preparations for upcoming junior high baseball and high school soccer seasons.
Ongoing work to finalize 2026–2027 schedules.
Continued discussion regarding official pay increases for soccer contests.
The Board also discussed creating a formal facility-use policy for non-school organizations that use district athletic facilities. While community use has been permitted on a case-by-case basis, board members requested the development of a formal policy to address insurance requirements and protect district facilities.
Physical Education Exemption Policy Approved
The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 6:310, allowing greater flexibility for students seeking Physical Education exemptions.
The revised policy follows the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) model language while clarifying that students who participate in school athletics during both semesters satisfy the requirement for "ongoing participation." This was confirmed by our school attorney. The change will provide additional flexibility for students balancing athletics and academic opportunities.
The Board completed several annual governance responsibilities, including:
Annual Board Actions:
Reviewing executive session minutes and determining they should remain confidential.
Approving destruction of eligible executive session recordings.
Approving Health Life Safety Amendment #14 to install additional railings for the bleachers in the Grade School gymnasium.
Approving both the MPHS and MPGS Faculty Handbooks for the 2026–2027 school year.
Approving official pay increases for several spring sports.
Approving the district's annual Evaluation and Employment Schedule.
Personnel
The Board approved the monthly personnel report, including:
Acceptance of the resignation of
Ella Salis
as MPGS Music Teacher.
Acceptance of the resignation of
Mindy Switzer
as MPGS 5th/6th Grade Girls Basketball Coach.
Additional Discussion
Before adjournment, the Board discussed whether comments should remain enabled on the district's Facebook pages. Board members expressed support for continuing to allow community members to post comments while maintaining appropriate oversight. The Board also thanked the many custodial, maintenance, and construction staff members working throughout the summer to prepare and improve district facilities for the upcoming school year.