Board Briefs

The Maroa-Forsyth CUSD#2 Board of Education held an eLearning hearing and their regular monthly meeting on October 14th, 2025, in the Maroa-Forsyth High School Library.

eLearning Hearing

The board heard presentations from the GS, MS, and HS on the updates to the proposed eLearning plans for adoption. Each plan is a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous instruction that includes live Google Meets and independent work. Five hours of instruction total for the day counts as a school day. The plans stress the need for attendance and accountability for all students and staff. Administrators answered questions on issues regarding whether a student is unable to join with technology, absence procedures, and accountability. The board also responded to questions regarding the school calendar, emergency days, and eLearning days. A parent addressed the board during public comment, expressing their opposition to renewing the eLearning plan. The renewal of the plan would permit the use of eLearning days in place of emergency days.

The eLearning hearing was adjourned.

Regular Meeting Notes

Pledge of Allegiance: MFGS Student Council members Archie Bundy, Ashlyn Downey, and Kolbie Kidd led the meeting in the pledge of allegiance.

Good News

The board recognized our MFHS Bass Fishing team for their county championship.

The board also recognized our Marching Trojans for their outstanding season so far, marked by a first-place finish at Monticello, a third-place finish at EIU, and a second-place finish at Mt. Zion.

The board approved the following items in the consent agenda.

• Approved the minutes of the September 9th, 2025, budget hearing, regular and closed sessions.
• Approved the minutes of the September 18th Strategic Planning Session
• Approved the financial report
• Approved the bills as presented
• Approved the destruction of audio of closed session minutes 18 months or older.
• Approved the FMLA request for Lane Ohlemeyer.
• Approved Jeff Ohlemeyer to transfer to GS/MS paraprofessional
• Approved the hiring of Tyler Deaton as HS Freshmen Basketball Coach

New Business

• The board approved policies in issues 118 and 119, including: 2.260, 2.265, 4.15, 4.80, 5.10, 5.60, 5.20, 5.100, 6.150, 6.235 (opening paragraph only), 7.180. 7.190, 7.200, 7.250, 7.270, 7.310, 7.315, 7.60, 7.70, 7.10, 7.207.185, 7.340, 7.255, and Issue 119 Policies: 2.80-without the optional language of referring board members who violate their oath of office to the ROE
• The eLearning plan renewal was approved with future discussion on its use and implementation.
• The board approved a resolution for a Safe Routes to School Grant, which the village of Forsyth is applying for to help connect a bike path behind the grade school to the new path to the west of the grade school.
• A services agreement with Nania Energy advisors was approved, enabling them to obtain bids and secure the best energy prices for the district.
• Staff members are invited to attend the staff appreciation dinner on November 5th at 6 p.m. in the MS Commons. RSVP invites were sent out on 10/14/25
• The district requested an extension for our auditors to complete the Annual Financial Report, and the ROE granted that. The auditors are working with the unit office to adjust federal funds reporting for grants. The audit should be completed soon.

Old Business

• Principal Board Reports –these were presented to the board for review.
• IASB Liaison – Report – Jill Feinstein: shared information regarding the Triple I conference, including the Delegate Assembly resolutions. Jill will represent the board at the assembly.
• Strategic Planning: Strategic planning meetings will start on October 16th at 6 p.m. in the HS library.

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.