From the November 20, 2023 board meeting
The board of education held their regular board meeting on November 20, 2023 in the high school library. The following items were acted upon or discussed during the meeting.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sahaj Ghotra and Eliza Lum both are members of our elementary student council. The students shared what they like about being a member of the elementary student council.
The board approved the minutes of the regular and special board meeting minutes held on October 23, 2023, October 30, 2023, and November 2, 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 accepted the resignation of Michael Bantz as middle school basketball coach.
The board accepted the resignation of Dianna Coombs as school bus driver.
The board approved the leave of absence for Heather Ohlymeyer.
The board approved the hiring of Matt Riley as middle school boys’ basketball coach.
The board approved the hiring of Marissah Cook as middle school volleyball coach.
The board approved the hiring of Selina Finck as high school head softball coach.
The board approved Camryn Skundberg as high school assistant softball coach.
The board reviewed the school district report card. Principals reviewed the academic data that contributed to the exemplary and commendable designations of our schools. We are proud of the work of our staff and students for achieving the designations
Maroa Chief of Police Bobby Fitzgerald updated the board on his search for a school resource officer. He also presented the idea of a second officer for Forsyth Grade School. He shared with the board the estimated cost for a second officer. The board is in favor of finding a second officer for Forsyth Grade School. Chief Fitzgerald is confident that we would have an officer by the end of December or early January.
The board reviewed the 2023 Tentative Levy. The levy is the instrument used to project tax dollars that are used to operate the school district. The estimated equalized assessed value of the property in the school district is projected to be $260,142, 440 this is up from $245,548,607 last year. The board set a truth in taxation hearing for 6:30pm on December 18th for public input on the levy.
The board approved the senior trip to Wisconsin Dells for March 4-5. All expenses are incurred by the senior class.
The board placed on review the Board Press Policy Issue 113. The policy updates keep current board policies updated and introduce new policies as a result in changes in the law and/or school code.
The board approved the construction of a pavilion on the peninsula located on the east side of the pond. The school district foundation received a $30,000 donation for the cost of the pavilion. The pavilion will have a concrete pad and a concrete path for accessibility. The cost for the concrete work is just under $30,000.
The board reviewed principal reports as presented.
Illinois Association of School Board liaison Jill Feinstein updated the board on school board association updates.
The board approved the contract with Ameresco to upgrade school lighting at both the high school and grade school, including parking lots. The cost for this work will be $552,000. The annual savings in terms of electrical costs is $32,305, this is a guaranteed savings from the contractor.
The board hired and approved the contract of Adam Ibbotson as the new superintendent for the Maroa-Forsyth School district effective July 1,2024.
If you have any questions, please contact myself or Leo. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
With Trojan Pride,
Dr. Holmes