New math curriculum approved

by Olivia Ervin

The Staunton School Board met in regular session on Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m. in the district library. Present were Interim Superintendent Michael Kelly; Education Services Coordinator Nancy Werden; Elementary Principal Brett Allen; and board members Jain, Renner, Legendre, Rhodes, Green, and Best..

To start the meeting, the board heard the resignation of Nancy Werden. Werden has served the Staunton district since she began student teaching in the 1990s. She has acted as teacher, coach, elementary principal, and in other critical capacities. She will be taking over as the principal of Worden Elementary School.

Principal Brett Allen and Nancy Werden gave a presentation on the purchase of a new junior high math curriculum. This new program will coordinate better with the state mathematics standards, which will improve standardized test scores. The transition into high school math is also expected to be smoother in the coming years. The program is conducted through online lessons with an accompanying workbook. Board member Stefanie Legendre, who is a teacher in another district, agreed with the product's potential effectiveness. The board ultimately decided to approve the purchase at a one-time cost of $27,000 which will cover the cost of materials and teacher training for five years.

Interim Superintendent Kelly informed the board that due to a miscalculation at the state level, Staunton school district will be receiving more evidence-based funding money than originally anticipated, which means the district budget must be amended. He also reassured the board that amending the budget is a generally good thing for a district. He stated that the original budget functions in part to guide financial decisions for the future, rather than set hard lines for current spending. The budget will be on public display until the next school board meeting, which is set for June 20.

In unfinished business, it was decided to approve the sale of the parsonage at 617 N. Hibbard Street that was recently given to the school district.

In new business, it was decided to retain the same insurance carrier for the 2022 school year; continue the contract with Opaa! food service management; renew membership in the IHSA and IESA; and approve an Eagle Scout project that includes installing extensive shelving in the band room during the summer of 2023.

After closed session, the board accepted the resignations of Nancy Werden as the educational services coordinator effective July 31; Brett Tevini as the junior high athletic director effective at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year; Melissa Striegel as a junior high resource teacher; and Wayman Markle as a paraprofessional and bus driver effective June 30.

The board of education approved the employment of Ryan Spickerman as the 7th grade boys' basketball coach for the 2022-23 school year; Ava Ostendorf as an elementary school interventionist for the 2022-23 school year; Brandi Frank as an elementary summer school teacher for the period of June 6 through June 30; and Madelyn Legendre as a paraprofessional for the summer school program from June 6 through June 30.

The next regular school board meeting will be held on June 20 at 7 p.m.