Lietz appointed to school board

A public hearing was held for the amended budget for fiscal year 2023 prior to the Staunton Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 20. Superintendent Brett Allen presented information about the amended budget related to changes in both revenues and expenditures from the approved September budget. The projections indicate that all fund balances will end with a positive balance to close out the year. During the regular session, the board approved the amended budget.

During the regular school board meeting the board appointed Robert Lietz to fill the current vacancy on the school board. Lietz is a former graduate of Staunton High School and currently resides in New Douglas. Lietz is excited to serve the Staunton School District families, staff, and most importantly, students.

Board spotlight

The board of education was excited to recognize members of the SHS Trap Team at the June meeting. The skeet team earned 3rd place at the state competition series, the JV trap team earned 2nd place at state, and the varsity trap team earned 3rd place at the state competition series. Great work by these students and their coaches!

Administrators’ report

Superintendent Allen provided an update related to the church property. A meeting was held with Menta Group on Tuesday, May 23, and discussion took place on the overall renovation cost of the property. Menta Group has asked the school district to review the current proposed renovation costs to see if they can be decreased in any manner.

Allen met with Kevin Meyer, the district architect, on Friday, May 26, and the architectural team is going to review the plans and determine if costs can be reduced.

Next, Allen provided project updates that are taking place this summer. The electrical switchgear replacement project has been completed. The chiller replacement project is nearing completion and Carrier will be on site soon to complete the installation process. Nearly all of the new security cameras have been installed across the campus to help with the improvement of safety and security district wide. The installation of the wheelchair accessible lift system in the high school is scheduled for mid-July. In addition, the district architect is currently working to get an estimated cost for the installation of air conditioning in the main gymnasium.

Finally, Allen provided an update regarding the implementation of the IASB administrative procedures. The administrative team met with IL Association of School Board’s Director of Policy Services, Boyd Fergurson, on Tuesday, June 6, to review administrative procedures based on adopted board policy. A draft copy of the procedures has been completed and the planned implementation date for the administrative procedures is July 1, 2023.

Financial report

Renewals were approved for the worker’s compensation insurance policy at a 6 percent increase over last year. Additionally, the treasurer’s bond was renewed with Liberty Mutual Surety for the upcoming school year.

New business

Under new business, the board approved the school district handbook and fee schedule for the 2023-2024 school year. A review and discussion took place on the implementation of a coach/sponsor handbook, job descriptions, and evaluation instrument. The board approved the items and they will take effect July 1.

The school district received one bid from DeLaurent Construction Co., Inc. to resurface all parking lots and lanes across the school district. The Board approved them to complete the project at a cost of $48,059.39. The last time this was completed was three years ago. A resolution was presented to declare surplus equipment, including a non-functional floor burnisher, a Kubota small tractor, and a zero turn lawn mower. The items will either be scrapped, put out for bid, or traded in on the purchase of new equipment.

School safety and security remains a top priority for the administration and board of education. As a result, Gardner L&M Glass Inc. has been approved to complete two separate projects to better secure the primary entrances at the elementary/junior high office and at the school library near the superintendent’s office. Another set of doors with laminated glass will be installed which will ensure people entering the building during normal school hours do not have open access to all locations.

Action after executive session

Upon returning to open session, the board accepted and recognized the resignations of Michael Pernicka and Iris Hubert as custodians, Tim Klein as a high school teacher, Danny Scroggins as high school head baseball coach, Ava Ostendorf as an interventionist, and Amanda Mellenthin as the high school assistant softball coach.

Under employment matters, Larry Blevins was hired as junior high mathematics teacher, Andrea Hartley was internally transferred as a K-8th grade interventionist, Alyssa Linkeman was hired as a paraprofessional, and Kinny Myles was approved as a paid assistant football coach. Next the board approved FMLA requests submitted by Sarah Roy and Ryan Pirok.

The board of education approved a wage increase for all educational support personnel (directors, cafeteria staff, transportation staff, technology staff, nursing staff, paraprofessionals, building administrative assistant staff, and district office staff) which will take effect for the upcoming fiscal year. The overall increase in wages amounts to $39,444 in base salary adjustments over the previous fiscal year.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. and the next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, July 17.