The closure of a local Mine is paving way for energy grant applications

At the City of Staunton’s Board of Education meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024, Allen informed the Board of Education about an Energy Transition Community Grant Program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The Energy Transition Community Grant Program will provide grants to promote economic development to communities that are in an area with a closure or reduced operation of a fossil fuel power plant, coal mine, or nuclear plant. The closure of Shay Mine No. 1 in Carlinville is allowing the School District the ability to apply for the grant and it is possible that Staunton’s administration could receive $50,000 in grant funding.

At the Monday meeting, the Staunton board had the privilege of recognizing staff and students for their achievements. Elementary Principal, Rachel Davis and Elementary PE Teacher, Holly Weller, were honored for earning Educators Who Excel Awards through the Illinois State Board of Education. The High School Girls’ Basketball team was highlighted for their success during the most recent season, which included being back-to-back SCC Conference Champions. The building level principals presented awards to one student from their respective building for earning the Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition Award for the 2023-24 school year. Scholastic Bowl Coach, Erin Woodson, presented awards to two senior players who earned recognition from the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association for their achievements this past season. Finally, three high school students were honored for their most recent success in the VFW Essay Contest.

Superintendent, Brett Allen, started his monthly report to the Board by providing an update on the District’s strategic planning initiative. Results from the most recent stakeholder engagement survey were reviewed. The administrative team met virtually with consultant, Dr. Kuffel, to briefly discuss results and the next steps. The administrative team will be meeting with Kuffel further to develop more specific action steps to achieve the goals and objectives that have been developed with the strategic planning committee and the stakeholder survey. This will then be presented to the Board of Education for approval.

Next, information was presented regarding the Long-Range District Facilities Plan. The District Office recently solicited stakeholders throughout the school communities for names of individuals to serve on a Facilitating Team that will work to develop a District Facilities Plan. This team will work collaboratively with a consultant and the architectural firm to develop various facility improvement options and the associated costs with these options. The architectural firm will be meeting with High School Departments on April 2 and April 3 to solicit their feedback and needs from an academic instructional standpoint.

Allen then provided an update on the possibility of a Feasibility Study being conducted with other area school districts. He met collaboratively with the superintendents of Gillespie, Mt. Olive, and Bunker Hill School Districts on Tuesday, March 5. Bunker Hill and Mt. Olive superintendents contacted via email that after having preliminary conversations with their Boards, they will not be participating in a feasibility study. The Gillespie School Board is planning to have further discussions at their next meeting and then will contact Staunton’s administration.

Information was shared in reference to the Food Service Management Company (FSMC) search. The Food Service Management RFP Process is underway and on Monday, Feb. 26, FSMCs had the ability to conduct a site visit and provide food samples to the RFP evaluation team. Only one FSMC (Opaa! Foods) attended the site visit and all received proposals will be opened and reviewed on April 3, 2024.

The District’s Educational Services Administrator, Steven Moore, provided an update on grant and work items he has been spearheading. His recent attendance at the Sports Boosters meeting with High School Athletic Director, Corrie Allan, led to discussions about how the School District can work more collaboratively and effectively with the organization for future initiatives to support students. Additionally, Moore presented on the School Health Index (SHI) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives he’s been leading. He highlighted the site visit that took place with consultant Mark Fenton and the work that took place with stakeholders over the two days.

The Deans of Students, Stephanie Schwappach and Brian Lotter, then presented information in relation to bullying data for the current school year. They surveyed staff about types, frequency, and consequences they utilize with students to gain a full picture about incidents occurring. Additionally, referral data was analyzed per school building. Most importantly, it was discussed that there must be a team effort amongst school officials, students, and families to mitigate bullying issues that may be occurring at Staunton Schools.

Under new business, the Board adjusted their start time for regular meetings to 6:30 p.m. Next, they approved Limbaugh Construction as the contractor for the Library and art room renovation project at a cost of $272,819. This project is being funded using the County Facilities Sales Tax and will occur this summer.

The Board approved Staunton High School’s membership renewal as part of the Illinois High School Association for athletic programming. Next, M&M Service Co. was approved as the fuel supplier for the 2024-25 school year with a decrease in fixed rates for gasoline and diesel fuel moving into next year. Previously declared surplus buses were approved for sale after the acceptance of sealed bids from the public. A commercial grade stove was approved as a surplus item and the District is accepting sealed bids. If interested in purchasing the stove, please review the information posted on the school district website. The final item under new business was granting approval for the superintendent to seek bids for the purchase of a full size wheelchair accessible bus to be put into service next school year.

Upon returning to Open Session, the Board of Education accepted the resignations of teachers, Madison Kaffer; Larry Blevins; and Doug Cruthis, with thanks for service. Next, the Board accepted the retirement request of teacher, Lesia Grimm, with thanks for service. A FMLA request for teacher, Hannah Blevins, was also approved.

Under employment, the following individuals were hired: Josh Ziegler, Assistant High School Football Coach; Cheyenne Johnson, Junior High Girls Track Coach and Junior High Cross Country Coach; elementary and high school summer school staff; and Zachary Niswander, High School College Career Readiness and Social Studies teacher.

Board members were reminded that they must complete the annual Statement of Economic Interest and submit it to the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office by May 1, 2024. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, April 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.