Stakeholder Survey open to public

During the Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 meeting, the Board of Education spotlighted the Illinois State Scholars for the Graduating Class of 2024. State Scholars earn this honor by their score earned on the SAT and their overall class rank. Congratulations to these students on their hard work and academic success.

Additionally, preschool teachers Brenda Horn and Rachel Lux were recognized for their outstanding work as part of the School District's Early Childhood Education Programming. Their dedication to the students and families is top notch and the District is beyond appreciative for all they do.

Within the Superintendent’s report, Brett Allen provided an update on the strategic planning initiative and stated that on Wednesday, Jan. 3 a message was sent out to families, employees, students, and the larger community asking them to complete a Strategic Planning Stakeholder Survey as the next step in the planning process.

To access the survey, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/StauntonPlan. The survey is accessible through the end of the month.

Next, the Board was updated on projects that were completed over winter break. The wheelchair accessible lift project was completed and the lift is fully operational and being utilized daily. The installation of secure entrance doors near the Library and Elementary and Jr. High office entrances have been completed and are fully operational.

Health, life and safety work was completed over the break, including the installation of new sprinkler heads in the cafeteria and the replacement of ceiling tiles in various hallways within the high school.

Finally, Allen provided an update on the utilization of St. Michael’s facilities. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Steven Moore, Alison Storm, and Allen met with Rory Conran from the Menta Group and toured the St. Michael’s School and gym facilities.

After the tour, the team met with the parish’s finance committee. Based on this meeting, it seems promising that the Menta Group will be able to use the vacant school and gym as soon as Aug. to provide special education services. Additionally, the School District and possibly local community athletic clubs could utilize the gym for extracurricular and club activities.

Moore, the Educational Services Administrator, provided an update on the work taking place related to the School Health Index grant for $20,000 and the involvement of the Wellness Committee. A site visit will be conducted that will assess the overall safety of the school campus and provide recommendations for improvement.

Next, Moore highlighted information and updates to investment strategies that have been implemented from a District finance standpoint.

The Board of Education conducted the second reading of Press Policy Issue 113 and unanimously adopted the policies for implementation within the School District's Board Policy Manual.

Under new business, The Board approved a resolution declaring bus No. 14 as surplus property. The District will soon be accepting bids on buses that have been declared surplus.

Next, High School Principal, Carrie Griffith, presented information on updated high school math placement guidelines. The recommended guidelines will be similar to criteria already being utilized in the junior high school and the Board approved the guidelines.

After soliciting bids from multiple car dealerships in the area, the Board accepted a bid from Federico Chysler Dodge Jeep Ram to purchase a new minivan for the School District for transportation purposes at a cost of $43,292.

Next, Allen informed the Board that the Illinois State Board of Education has approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) documents created to solicit a Food Service Management Company starting next school year. The Board formally authorized the superintendent to issue the RFP as listed in the document timeline.

Discussion took place on the Multi-Purpose Building project and it was shared that the estimated cost to remove the old flooring is approximately $100,000 and Farmer Environmental will begin the bidding process to find a contractor for the removal.

Additionally, after a thorough bidding process, the Board approved a contract with Limbaugh Construction to install the new floor and paint the Multi-Purpose Building at a cost of $182,500.

A review of the overall School District’s debt limit occurred and materials developed by Stifel Public Finance were provided to the Board. The max borrowing capacity for the School District is approximately $20,000,000. This led to further discussion on the overall state of the school facilities and infrastructure. Unfortunately, the high school building has reached its useful life capacity and there is a great need to explore options on how to best serve children as we move into the future.

Work will continue on how collaboration amongst area school districts can improve educational services and what possible building renovation/construction could occur to improve the facilities and educational infrastructure.

Upon returning to Open Session, the Board of Education accepted the resignation of Harmony Fiala as a long-term substitute teacher. Next, the Board approved FMLA requests for Katie Baima and Nicole Kineke. Under employment, the following individuals were hired: Mandy Ramirez as a part-time bilingual educational assistant; Tim Klein as the assistant high school baseball coach; Zach Niswander as the assistant high school track coach; Lisa Haenel as a long-term substitute teacher; Tim Klein as a long-term substitute teacher; Kelly Knight as a long-term substitute paraprofessional; and Lori Hassard transitioned to a full-time cafeteria employee.

Next, the Board of Education approved the semi-annual review of unreleased closed meeting minutes and released for public inspection those minutes, or portions thereof, that the Board identified as no longer needing confidential treatment.

Under general discussion, the Board of Education was briefly updated on the medical needs and accommodations put in place for a handful of high school students.

Additionally, discussion occurred on the recent generalized threat that was made towards the school. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.