Board Briefs

The Maroa-Forsyth CUSD#2 Board of Education held its monthly board meeting on April 21st, 2025, at 6:30 in the MFHS library.

Good News

Good news was shared with the board for several individuals and groups.

• Bass Fishing Tournament- Owen Vaughn and Brady Doss won the 45-boat Spring Smackdown Tournament.
• The GS Art Show and Book Fair was a big success. Thanks to everyone who helped organize and put the event together.
• The cast of Newsies is in a great show. Bravo to all of the cast and crew.
• Lexi Nilles, Saarah Qureshi, and Jackson Wallen for qualifying for the ACES state exams.
• FFA State Record Book Winners: Taylor Crouch -Ag Sales Entrepreneurship, Greyson Applebee- Specialty Animal Production- Entrepreneurship, and Aubrey Stewart- Arts and Communications
• Indoor State Championships: Connell Doolin- 200m dash and Zion Young- Shot Put
• SW Airlines Adopt a Pilot Program-6th grader Andrea Rebong was recognized for winning the SW Adopt A Pilot Tie Design Contest. Her tie, which she designed, is worn by SW pilots participating in the Adopt a Pilot program. Ashley Higar is a pilot for SW and was present to share about the program. The program provides STEM education to 5th graders and opportunities like the tie design contest. He thanked the GS staff and 5th-grade team for their hard work and cooperation.

The board approved the following items in the consent agenda.

• Approved the minutes of the regular and closed session board meeting held on March 17th, 2025
• Approved the financial report.
• Approved the bills as presented.
• Approved the destruction of audio of closed session minutes 18 months or older.
• Accepted the resignation of Jennifer Gallup, MS/HS food service.
• Accepted the resignation of Matt Riley-MS basketball assistant coach
• Accepted the resignation of Camryn Skundberg from HS Math, HS softball assistant, MS softball assistant, and as Math team coach.
• Approved the hiring Jorji Sparrygrove as HS special education teacher for 25-26 school year.
• Approved the hiring of Seth Melton as a HS math teacher for the 25-26 school year.
• Approved the hiring of Aaron Ringle as a 3rd-grade teacher for the 25-26 school year.
• Approved the hiring of Rachel Dick as MS/GS counselor for the 25-26 school year.
• Approved the transfer of Molly Davis to 4th grade for the 25-26 school year
• Approved the retirement notice of Karen Haulthaus, effective at the end of the 28-29 school year

New Business

• The board accepted bids for the concession stand refresh and the ticketing area ceiling. The refresh includes replacing cabinetry and upgrading circuitry, plumbing, paint, ventilation, and epoxy floor covering. A ceiling will be installed in the ticketing area to prevent bird nesting. The accepted bid was for $211.133.
• Mr. Ibbotson updated the board on the progress of the transportation audit. Jim Lovelace and Seth Hill have been working with our staff on routing efficiencies, standard operating procedures, bus driver retention strategies, and the transportation claim. Once the recommendations are finalized, Mr. Ibbotson will share them with the board.
• A special board meeting is scheduled for May 1st at 5:30 in the HS library. The primary purpose is to elect officers and seat the newly elected board members.
• The board approved the Consolidated District Plan, the umbrella under which our district grants operate. It is an annual plan that must be board-approved.
• Educational Leadership Solutions has been selected to partner with the district in leading a new strategic planning process beginning in the fall of 2025. With the previous strategic plan now completed, their team will help guide the development of the next one. Community engagement meetings with district stakeholders will begin in the fall to ensure broad input and collaboration.
• Based on student needs, the board authorized a second special education teacher posting at the HS. The administrative team will continue monitoring registration numbers for additional staffing needs.

Old Business

Principal Board Reports

• Principal reports were presented in the board packet for review

IASB Liaison – Report – Jill Feinstein

• Jill Feinstein shared information from the IASB for the new board members and the annual conference.

Executive Session

The board entered into executive session for the following reason(s):

For the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, dismissal, or performance of specific employees of the public body, Section 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and Student disciplinary cases 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10)

Adjournment-Action

The board meeting was adjourned.

With Trojan Pride,

Adam Ibbotson

Maroa-Forsyth CUSD#2 Superintendent.