Mount Pulaski Board of Education Report
-In-house testing for coronavirus testing now available for staff
-Superintendent Lamkey monitoring natural gas usage closely
-2021-22 school calendar approved

 

[February 19, 2021] 

The Mount Pulaski Board of Education conducted their regular meeting on February 17th at 6:00 PM with all members in attendance including Mr. Brown by Zoom and Mrs. Combs by phone.

Roll call was taken for the February regular meeting at 6:00 PM. Five attendees were present for the meeting, but no one addressed the Board during Recognition of the Public.

The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, which included payment of bills, sales tax revenue report, minutes from January 20, 2021 regular meeting, minutes from January 20, 2021 executive session.

In Reports, Mr. Lamkey relayed that the district was now certified to administer COVID-19 Antigen testing. The tests arrived last week and the district’s main intent is to have the tests available for employees, but administration was exploring the concept of testing students as well. Superintendent Lamkey also noted that the CDC and LCHD informed residents that people who receive both vaccination shots will not be required to quarantine if they are in direct contact with a person infected with COVID-19. This exemption lasts for three months after the second vaccination.

The energy crisis in Texas has reached Illinois. Mr. Lamkey notified the Board that he was monitoring the district’s natural gas usage because of the soaring rates related to the energy shortage in Texas. Mt. Pulaski Schools are under contract for a specific amount of therms at a prearranged price, but any overage of therms would be at market value. Superintendent Lamkey is working with Ameren and Stone River Group to determine the district’s best course of action.

Next, athletic director Ryan McVickers spoke with the Board about the state of athletics and the process of jump starting sports. While winter sports are well underway, he is still awaiting news on how the second winter and spring seasons will play out. Mr. McVickers exclaimed to the Board “It is just great to have the kids playing again!”

In Unfinished Business, Mr. Lamkey took questions from the Board on the pandemic. The superintendent was pleased to announce the district has gone over three weeks without a positive case, but still remains diligent on mitigation practices. Mr. Smith asked if the district was still seeking to extend the school day to 3:00 PM for the 4th Quarter. Mr. Lamkey replied it is our goal to return to full days as soon as possible, but there are barriers that the administration must work through. He also indicated that the districts options will be much clearer in March.

Under New Business, Mrs. Fricke explained the required agreement for SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protective Act) which is designed to protect students and their information. SOPPA is a work in progress as districts across the state hope to have it up and running for next school year. The agreement was approved 7-0.

The Board then approved a resolution authorizing the abatement of sales tax revenues to pay bond debts incurred during high school construction. The Board had previously approved the abatement, but this resolution authorizes the county to abate the sales tax revenues. The resolution passed 7-0.

[Submitted by Sarah Farris
Administrative Assistant
Mount Pulaski Community Unit District #23]