The District Was Gifted With Large Grant For Resources

The Staunton Board of Education held a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 Amended Budget at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024 in advance of the regular meeting. Superintendent Brett Allen and Educational Services Administrator, Steve Moore, presented information in reference to the Amended Budget and reported that the current financial projections show the District ending with a surplus this fiscal year. In addition, they highlighted various changes in revenues and expenditures. During the hearing, no members of the public provided any comment.

To kick off the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 17, the Board was excited to spotlight the Staunton High School and Jr. High Track programs on their outstanding seasons. Also, special recognition is due to Kolbe Pfeiffer for his Jr. High State Championship Shot Put Title. In addition, the Building Up Bulldogs Award was presented to Mary Beth Vercoglio for her support with the athletic and graduation pictures taken during the past school year.

Next, Scott Reichmann, the Chairman of the Macoupin County CEO Board, and recent SHS graduate, Brady Gillen, discussed the CEO program and highlighted the many positive opportunities that students who have participated in the program receive. Ultimately, the CEO Program is working to expand its current network of investors, mentors, and guest speakers to ensure the longevity of the program. To learn more about the Macoupin County CEO Program, please visit their website at https://www.macoupinceo.com/.

Superintendent Allen provided updates on current building projects taking place this Summer. Both the multi-purpose building project as well as the library and art room renovation project are underway. These projects are on schedule for completion before school starts in Aug. 2024. Additionally, the installation of the large fans in the main gymnasium of the high school will begin on Monday, July 22. Next, it was reported that the Staunton School District has been awarded a $99,598 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). District office staff will begin working on the Phase Two Application materials, which are due by 5 p.m. on July 31. School officials will be meeting with stakeholders to determine the best use of these funds.

Finally, Allen provided a brief update in reference to the facility improvement planning process. Two open houses were held on Saturday, June 8 and Monday, June 10 where approximately 75 people attended and provided written feedback regarding the options that were presented. The next steps will involve a community-wide survey being sent out to all stakeholders in the Staunton School District based on open house feedback. The Engagement Team will then meet to review results and present further information at the July 15 Board of Education meeting.

The District’s Educational Services Administrator, Moore, updated the Board on work items he has been completing, including the adjustment of the fee schedule and a meeting that was held with Omnia Partners, which is a procurement purchasing cooperative.

Additionally, the District is continuing to review and revise its current Risk Management Plan.

Next, Moore presented the annual South Central Conference (SCC) standings for the 2023-2024 school year and highlighted the many athletic accomplishments that ultimately resulted in Staunton High School earning the Second Place position in overall standings.

Staunton High School Principal, Carrie Griffith, and Postsecondary Leadership Coach, Renee Vai,

provided an update on all of the accomplishments over the past school year in reference to college and career pathway implementation and ensuring students are prepared for their next steps upon graduation. The Staunton School District has partnered with OneGoal Corporation as a consultant to help ensure our students are receiving the best opportunities from a college and career readiness standpoint.

The OneGoal partnership has led to the implementation of a framework at the high school that supports student success and the enactment of a specific classroom model that helps guide students in determining the best path forward for them after high school graduation.

Under Finance, member of the Board, Lamore, motioned for the approval of the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Board member, Robert Lietz, seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

In reference to Unfinished Business, the Board of Education conducted the second official reading of Press Plus Policy 114 and then approved and adopted the policies listed. Next, a resolution authorizing and directing the sale of the 617 N. Hibbard Street property was approved by the Board. Presently, the closing date for the sale is scheduled for early July 2024.

Under New Business, Moore provided information on the work he conducted in adjusting the fee schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. Updates included an increase in the locker and communication fee and both increases and decreases in various high school course fees to be more reflective of budgetary needs. Board member, Brad Best, made a motion to approve the fee schedule. His motion was seconded by Lietz and the fee schedule was approved by roll-call vote.

Next, the principals briefly highlighted changes to the school handbooks for next year

and the Board of Education unanimously approved the 2024-2025 school handbooks. The

District was pleased to report that it has a minimal renewal increase for property, casualty and liability insurance and the Board members voted to approve the renewal.

The final item under New Business for the June meeting was the approval of the Staunton School District to support the Macoupin County CEO program by serving as an investor in the program at a cost of $1,000 a year for a period of three years.

Upon returning to Open Session, members accepted the advanced retirement requests of Tim Smiddy, May 2026; Tamara Grammer, May 2027; and Michelle Nungesser, May 2027. Under employment matters, Ashleigh Feldmann was hired as a School Nurse; John Hamilton was hired as a junior high Math Teacher; Moore’s contract as the Educational Services Administrator was approved; Brian

Lotter’s Dean of Students contract was approved; Stephanie Schwappach’s Dean of Students contract was approved; Jacqueline Anderson was hired as the high school Assistant Girls Basketball Coach; Jeanenen Lucykow and Jeff Smith were hired as student council and National Honor Society sponsors; Connor Dickenson was approved as a volunteer Football Coach; Frank Hanes was hired as a one-on-one Paraprofessional; Kelly Knight was approved as a one-on-one Paraprofessional; George

Gerhardt was approved as the Director of Buildings, Grounds and Maintenance; and the

Board approved an unpaid leave of absence for Pete Klein.

The Board of Education approved a wage increase for all educational support personnel. In addition, they approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Custodial Council of the Staunton Federation of Teachers Local Number 4818 from July 2024 through June 2027.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, July 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.