Mt. Pulaski CUSD Board of Education meeting notes
Schools and city to collaborate on Safe Routes to School Grant

 

[August 23, 2023] 

The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education called their regular meeting to order on August 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the MPGS Learning Center.

In Public Recognition, President Cowan read an email written by Shaun Tyson concerning the condition of the school district's track and the needs for improvement.

The first action item was the approval of the Consent Agenda. Superintendent Lamkey reported that there were no questions to the district office concerning bills and that the sales tax revenues once again topped $34,000 for April. An additional item to this month's consent agenda was Hazardous Transportation. Each year, the Board recognizes the Elkhart Blacktop and the railroads on the south end of town as transportation hazards. This declaration allows the district to bus students who must cross these hazards to attend school. The Board approved the Consent Agenda 7-0.

Under Reports, Mr. Lamkey spoke of the completed renovations at the grade school. The classrooms are in operation and functioning very well. The restroom flooring will be completed in the weeks to come as contractor work on days that students are not present.

Superintendent Lamkey reported that the Park District approved the sale of Veterans Park to the school district for $250,000 and closing costs. Attorneys are creating a contract that will be considered at the September Park Board and School Board Meetings.

There was no Unfinished Business to consider.

Under New Business, Mt. Pulaski Mayor Matt Bobell spoke before the Board to inform the district of the Safe Routes to School Grant the city is seeking from the state. This grant would give up to approximately $250,000 to the city to make improvements on sidewalks surrounding the schools. The district has already begun cooperation with the effort as surveys are being issued to meet grant guidelines.

Next, Brian Stahl presented through Zoom to inform the Board about a school safety system called Zero Eyes. Zero Eyes is a system that works with current surveillance cameras to help identify weapons in and around the building. President Cowan and Sergeant Pharris had previously previewed the product and felt it would be good knowledge for the Board’s consideration. The Board recognized the value such systems would bring in keeping our schools safe. The Board will have further discussion and planning about the benefits and costs of such systems.

MPHS Instructional Coach Linda Smith presented to the Board about the work of an instructional coach. The district recently lost the grade school instructional coach and administration is working on how to fill this difficult to find position. Mrs. Smith's presentation was designed to inform the Board on the work and importance of instructional Coaches.

Research indicates that instructional coaches are one of the most effective ways to improve teacher instruction and student learning. The Board indicated that they see the great value in

the district's instructional coach positions and supports filling the current vacated position at the grade school.

Mr. Lamkey, the Building and Grounds Committee and the Finance Committee all collaborated to discuss and define the FY24 Capital Projects List. The Finance Committee identified $2.5 million dollars that could be used toward upcoming capital projects. A Building and Grounds Survey identified renovations to the high school labs and agriculture classroom as top priorities.

Next on the list was renovations at the grade school in the 1958 wing and the potential development of Veterans Park for athletics. The Board directed Superintendent Lamkey to work with the district architect on plans to begin the renovation work next spring. The Board postponed the vote on the Capital Projects List 7-0 so that the Building and Grounds Committee could once again meet before formal approval.

The Board then approved the second reading of the school policy update and its adoption with a 7-0 vote. The only changes to policy were legal citations and language updates.

Next on the docket was the Personnel Report, which was approved 7-0 containing 9 hires, 1 resignation and one announcement of retirement.

Hires

• Hannah Cameron as MPHS PE/Health Teacher

• Tiffany Kretzinger as MPHS Prom Co-Sponsor

• Sarah Cooper as MPHS Prom Co-Sponsor

• Michael Copley a MPHS Mentor

• Steven Grigg as MPHS Custodian

• Brooklyn Ford as MPGS Paraprofessional
  Nicole Mittelsteadt as MPGS Paraprofessional

• Hannah Cameron as MPHS JV Volleyball Coach

• Mackenzy Payne as MPGS Assistant Softball Coach

Announcement of Retirement

• Mrs. Nancy Smith after the 2026-27 School Year MPGS

Resignations

• Resignation of Amanda Scattergood as MPHS Paraprofessional

In a separate vote, Damian Larson was hired as MPGS 7/8 Boys Basketball Coach with a 6-0 vote with President Cowan voting present.

Under Items of Information, the Board briefly discussed recently passed legislation that would make lunches free for all Illinois public school students. While the legislation has passed, the funding has yet to be committed.

The Board also discussed the improvement in the grade school courtyard and acknowledged and thanked the hard work and effort of Brooke and Kyle Charon to create the finished product. Mr. Lamkey said that two picnic tables will be added to the courtyard this fall.

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the MPGS Learning Center.

[Sarah Farris]