Mount Pulaski School Board sets graduation dates and hears public interest in covid policy

 

[January 21, 2022] 

The Mount Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education called their regular meeting to order on January 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the grade school Learning Center. All members were present.

Following Roll Call, the Board entered Executive Session at 5:01 PM to discuss litigation against the school district and the appointment, employment, compensation and performance of employees. The Board re-emerged from Executive Session at 6:08 PM.

Recognition of Public included over 50 members in the audience, with 12 requesting to address the Board. Ten individuals addressed the board in person and two requested to have a written statement read by Superintendent Lamkey.

Consent Agenda, which included the approval for the payment of bills, the sales tax report, meeting minutes from December 20, 2021 and Executive Session minutes from January 19, 2021. Superintendent Lamkey informed the Board that sales tax revenues reported for November had dipped from the previous month to just over $27,000.

In the Superintendent Report, Mr. Lamkey informed the Board that high school juniors and seniors would benefit next year from dual credit opportunities through Lincoln Land Community College. While details of specific courses are still in the works, it is understood that online course work will be provided that will satisfy not only high school graduation requirements, but also give students college credit.

It was also reported to the Board that there was a FOIA request for Board member emails and text messages concerning mask mitigations and COVID dating back to the first day of school. The district office is working to complete the lengthy request and is set to meet the due date of January 24, 2022.

There were no items in the discipline report.

This month's agenda contained no items in Unfinished business. In New Business, the Board considered opening minutes from the previous 18 months Executive Sessions to the public.

This is an action the Board must consider every six months according to policy. The motion failed to gain support through a 0-7 vote.

Each year in January, the Board must approve a Reduction in Force (RIF) list that has been reviewed by both the district office and the teacher’s union. The RIF list was approved by the Board 7-0. Due to stable finances, the district does not anticipate the need for a reduction in force for any time in the near future.

The next two agenda items announced the dates for junior high promotion and high school graduation. MPGS Promotion Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the MPGS Gym. The MPHS Graduation Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM at the MPHS Gym. More details will follow this spring.

Superintendent Lamkey then presented the Midyear Budget Report. He was happy to inform the Board that all funds were in a good target range at midyear with 7 funds being under budget. The Transportation Fund was 5% over budget due to the three unforeseen state tournament appearances in the junior high. Mr. Lamkey believes that the transportation fund could be under budget by the end of the year, but if not, a budget amendment hearing could be called to balance the budget.

Each January Superintendent Lamkey reports on his progress toward goals set between the superintendent and Board of Education. Mr. Lamkey reported that he is on target to fulfill each goal set by the Board. The Board will conduct an evaluation of the superintendent prior to the February board meeting.

The Personnel Report was approved 7-0.

The following actions resulted:

• Robert Meyerriecks was hired as a MPHS Paraprofessional

• Bill Mason was hired as the MPHS Custodian

• Reagan Kirk was hired as a MPGS Paraprofessional

• Lisa Leonard was hired as a MPGS Volunteer Assistant Volleyball Coach

• Blane Olson was hired as the MPGS Volunteer 5/6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach

• Kayla Awe resigned as a MPGS Paraprofessional

In a separate personnel action, Belete Mott’s resignation as MPHS Custodian was accepted 6-0 with one vote present.

Under Items of Information, Superintendent Lamkey reminded the Board the district would host an IASB Abe Lincoln Division Dinner Meeting in October. He also encouraged the attendance of all Board members to attend the division meeting on March 1, 2022 at New-Holland Middletown School.

The Board once again entered Executive Session at 7:16 PM to discuss litigation against the school district and the appointment, employment, compensation and performance of employees. The Board reemerged from executive session at 8:35 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:38.

[Sarah Farris
Administrative Assistant
Mount Pulaski CUSD 23]