Employment issues approved

The Staunton Board of Education turned their attention to the 2023-24 school year in the school board meeting held on Monday, May 22.

The board accepted and recognized the resignations of Andrea Kuna as the transportation secretary, Larry Caldieraro as an assistant football coach, Nick Mellenthin as an assistant high school track coach, Brad Fulk as the head girls soccer coach, and Courtney Besserman as a one-on-one paraprofessional.

Under employment matters, Tina Pettus was hired as the high school guidance counselor, Alexis Tharpe was employed as the K-8 art teacher, Ann Twente was approved as a K-8 interventionist, Krystal Marra was employed as the transportation secretary, Alyssa Linkeman was hired as a one-on-one paraprofessional for summer school, John Harbison was approved as a full-time custodian, Dewitt Blankenship was hired as a substitute custodian, Dan Scroggins was employed as a summer/substitute custodian, and Ethan Booth was approved as the eighth grade boys basketball coach.

Several contracts were also approved including: Steve Moore’s part-time educational services administrator contract, Brian Lotter’s elementary and junior high dean of students contract, Brian Hart’s junior high and high school dean of students contract, and Michael Kelly’s part-time administrator mentor contract.

An updated athletics officials pay scale was also adopted. FMLA requests submitted by Pete Klein and Sarah Schulte were approved.

In relation to collective negotiating matters, the Board of Education approved a part-time teaching MOU (memorandum of understanding) in relation to Steve Moore, an insurance MOU allowing tiered options for employee health insurance, and they approved the the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Custodial Council of the Staunton Federation of Teachers Local #4818 for the 2023-2024 school year.

In other business, the board of education recognized some very talented students and an outstanding administrator at the May meeting. They included members of the Jr. High Student Council, the IHSA All-State Academic Team nominees, and administrator Bill Carpenter. The board commended them for their hard work and dedication to Staunton Schools.

Superintendent Brett Allen provided an update related to the former church property. A meeting was held with Menta Group, FGM Architectural Firm, and SMASE staff on April 27.

Discussion took place on the overall renovation cost of the property based on the estimate provided by the Construction Management Firm. Administration then conferenced with the district attorney for real estate matters on May 11 and the attorney is drafting information on the best path forward to develop a lease agreement.

.Next, Allen highlighted that the administrative team will be meeting with the 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.

Finally, Allen provided an update regarding finances and reported that the district office staff are currently working to finalize all grant spending for the current fiscal year and starting the grant development process for FY24. Work also continues on the amended budget and a finalized version will be presented at the public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 6:45 p.m.

Renee Vai, with the organization known as OneGoal provided an update on how the Staunton School District is working towards meeting requirements of the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. The overall goal of this critical work is to ensure every student will have an equitable opportunity to achieve their greatest postsecondary aspirations.

Unfinished Business

The Board conducted the second reading of Press Policy Issue 111 that adjusts Board Policy to meet requirements related to Faith’s Law. The board approved and adopted this update after the second reading.

New Business

Under new business, the renewal of the school district as a member of the IESA for the 2023-2024 school year was approved. Next, Superintendent Allen informed the Board that Opaa! Food Service was being recommended for renewal as the school district’s food service provider for next school year. Due to inflation, the cost of food service operations is increasing for the school district; however, a request for proposal (RFP) process will begin this fall to seek opportunities for other vendors and ensure that Staunton is providing the best food service at the most appropriate cost. The board did approve Opaa! as the food service provider through June 2024.

Next, the board approved a change in the school district’s health insurance provider to United Health Care. In addition, the district will be offering three tiers of insurance coverage, allowing employees to choose a plan that is most appropriate for them and their families. The board also approved renewal of the district’s property/casualty/auto insurance with the Prairie State Insurance Cooperative for the 2023-2024 school year with an overall increase of 13 percent.

To close out new business, the board approved Auto Sound & Security, Inc. as the contractor to complete a security camera system replacement project over summer 2023. The upgraded system would provide expansive coverage for both the interior and exterior of the school grounds with the installation of 115 cameras. An updated system is a major step that the district is making to ensure that Staunton Schools are safe and secure for students and staff. The cost of the upgraded system is currently being funded by a grant and county facility sales tax dollars.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m., and the next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, June 20.