From September 18, 2023 board meeting
The board of education held their regular board meeting on September 18, 2023 in the high school library. The following items were acted upon or discussed during the meeting.
The board conducted a budget hearing regarding the FY 2024 school budget. The district overall is in a solid fiscal position for this school year. We are optimistic that all construction expenses will take place during the FY 2024 budget year.
The board recognized Matt Munjoy our athletic trainer for his expertise in handling of athletic practices and games during our excessive heat days.
The board of education were introduced to the new staff members in each building.
The board recognized the Maroa-Forsyth March Band for their first place finish in the Monticello Band Competition. The band also received 1st place for best percussion, and best music.
The board was informed that the Walter Boyd Family has donated $25,000 toward the cost of a new scoreboard for the football field.
The board received a report from Brian Benneke from O’Shea Construction regarding the high school and unit office renovations. The high school project is about 98% complete with some minor projects and punch list items remaining. The unit office is still undergoing construction, the parking lot is the biggest issue as they try to eliminate the moisture in the lot in order to get compaction before they cover the lot with asphalt. A plan is in place to deal with the moisture. We are now hopeful to be in the unit office in early October.
The board approved the minutes of the special board meeting held on August 21, 2023 and the special board meeting on September 12, 2023.
The board approved the financial report and monthly bills for the month.
The board approved the destruction of closed session minutes 18 months or older.
The board approved the resignation of Kellie Marlow, teacher aide.
The board approved the hiring of Joanna Hoffman as middle school custodian.
The board accepted the resignation of Adam Mistic as middle school custodian.
The board hired Erin Atherton as part-time math teacher at the high school.
The board hired John Spencer as FFA Assistant
The board approved the FY 2024 budget as presented.
The board approved the music department spring break trip to Walt Disney World. The trip will take place the week of March 25-29.
The board approved a resolution to support the village of Forsyth the Safe Route to Schools Program.
Mark your calendars for November 8, as the board will host the annual appreciation steak dinner in the middle school cafeteria. The board will prepare the steaks, Tracey Ferrill will cater the meal. The dinner will begin at 6:00 and we will move to the auditorium around 7:00 to recognize faculty with service awards. You will receive and invitation very soon from Jody. P.S. – Spouses are invited as well.
The board place on review Illinois School Board Association policy issue 112. This is the program the school district uses to update the board policy manual. The board will approve the updates in October.
The board did approve a change in the October regular board meeting date. The board will meet on October 23, 2023 at 6:30pm in the high school library.
The board set October 5, 16, and 17, 2023 as special board meetings to discuss the superintendent interviewing process and to conduct interviews of candidates for the superintendent’s position. The new superintendent will begin in the district on July 1, 2024.
The board heard a report on how to use funds that re remaining after the middle school, high school and unit office renovation project. Under consideration is a Solar Array Field and a lighting upgrade.
The hear an update on the new football field scoreboard. The board will be paid for with a donation from the Walter Boyd Family, the Pepsi Contract and School district funds. Nevco, the manufacturer of the board is offering an $8,000 discount if we purchase by December 1 and install by May 1.
The board heard an updated report on bringing back the FCCLA program to the high school. The high school will be surveying middle school through 11th graders to gauge interest in the program.
The board was updated on the possibility of providing an activity bus for student athletes participating in COOP teams in Warrensburg. At the current time we do not have a vehicle available for this to take place. We have investigated the purchase of a new or used white bus. The cost for a new white bus is $110,000. Used white buses are not available. We have also discussed the purchase of a new van, but manufacturers are not producing them at this time. We are now exploring the purchase of a minivan that would hold 7 passengers.
The board reviewed principal reports as presented.
If you have any questions, please contact myself or Leo.
With Trojan Pride,
Dr. Holmes