From September 9, 2025 board meeting
The Maroa-Forsyth CUSD#2 Board of Education held a budget hearing and their regular monthly meeting on September 9th, 2025, in the Maroa-Forsyth High School Library.
Budget Hearing
The board conducted the FY26 budget hearing. The board heard information regarding the FY 26 Budget. The budget projects positive fund balances in the operating funds, but with tighter margins. Strong property tax growth, stable state funding from the Evidence-Based Funding Model (EBF) have led to consistent funding. Pressures on the budget include additional costs for electricity and inputs, as well as prorated categorical payments for transportation reimbursements.
The budget hearing adjourned, and the board moved into the regular meeting.
Regular Meeting Notes
Good News
The board recognized our MFGS PK program for earning the Gold Seal from ISBE. This is the top level of achievement that can be awarded to PK programs in the state.
The board also recognized Dathan Lidy for making the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dathan was also chosen as the principal horn, which is the top position for his French Horn.
The board approved the following items in the consent agenda.
- Approved the minutes of the August 12th, 2025, regular and closed sessions
- Approved the financial report
- Approved the bills as presented
- Approved the destruction of audio of closed session minutes 18 months or older
- Approved the hiring of John Morrow as HS Math instructor
- Accepted the resignation of Lane Ohlemeyer as MS Head Boys Track Coach
- Approved the hiring of Jorji Sparrgrove as freshman class sponsor
- Approved Aaron Agee as a volunteer assistant baseball coach
New Business
- Tina Horve-Educational Foundation and Archives: Tina presented information regarding the past year, including additional items that have been added to the archives and grants that she has obtained. She also shared about the MF Educational Foundation. The Foundation has been very active with scholarships, grants, and supporting our staff. She also shared information regarding the Spring Foundation Dinner.
- Cassie Crouch-Ag Department Annual Report-Cassie and members of her FFA presented their annual report—the report showcased accomplishments of the past year and goals for the upcoming year. The group shared their excitement for the forthcoming year with hopes of expanding environmental science offerings and curriculum.
- Approval of the FY 26 Budget-The board approved the FY 26 Budget.
- Acceptance of the 10-Year HLS for MFHS: The board accepted the 10-Year HLS from BLDD for the HS and MS. The survey highlighted projects that can be addressed with health/life/safety funds. The buildings are in great shape, and these improvements will make sure they continue to be safe.
- Place on Review Press Issue 118-119- The board is placing policies from Press Issues 118 and 119 on review. The issues involve updates to the Title IX policy, Uniform Grievance Policy, and updates on the Every Student Success Act. Other policies are up for a 5-year review.
- Staff Appreciation and Service Awards on November 5th: The annual staff appreciation dinner will be held at 6 p.m. in the MS Commons. RSVP’s will be sent out in October for staff members. The service awards will take place in the spring.
- October 3rd-IASB in Lincoln: The quarterly meeting will be held at West Lincoln Broadwell.
Old Business
- Principal Board Reports –these were presented to the board for review.
- IASB Liaison – Report – Jill Feinstein: Jill shared information regarding the upcoming region meeting and the Joint Annual Conference in November.
- Strategic Planning: Strategic planning meetings will start on September 18th and last throughout the fall.
Executive Session
The board entered executive session under:
- 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, dismissal, or performance of specific employees.
- 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10): Student disciplinary cases.
The meeting was then adjourned.
With Trojan Pride,
Adam Ibbotson, Superintendent.