Mt. Pulaski CUSD School Board approves student handbooks for 2023-24 school year

 

[April 20, 2023] 

The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education called their regular meeting to order on April 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the grade school learning center. All members were present, less Ashley Combs.

Under Recognition of Public, Mike Chandler and a student addressed the district about concerns with DEI while Sarah Volle and Dana Buche expressed concerns about better communication with parents when out of the ordinary events take place in classrooms.

The Board then moved into executive session at 7:16 PM to discuss employment, student discipline and employment. The Board returned to regular session at 8:15 PM.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda which included the payment of bills, the sales tax revenue report, board minutes from the regular meeting on March 20, 2023, special meetings, March 29, 2023, executive session minutes from March 20 and March 29, 2023. The motion
passed 6-0.

Under Reports, Superintendent Lamkey explained potential upgrades to the front exterior of the grade school would need to be put on hold and also discussed transportation concerns resulting from the closure of the Elkhart overpass on May 1, 2023.

Next MP CUSD 23 Athletic Director, Ryan McVickers, reported on the athletic teams. Thus far this year, the Toppers, Bruins and Honeybears have participated in one state tournament, had a wrestler participate in sectionals, won 2 regional championships, 2 county championships and played in 8 regional championships. Currently, spring sports are all underway and are experiencing great successes. All in all, it has been a very rewarding year!

Mr. McVickers surveyed our junior high girls for interest in softball. His survey revealed 12 interested students, but only 5 had previously participated in softball. The Board directed Mr. McVickers to contact the parents of the students to determine sincere interest. The Board will decide at the May meeting whether to field a junior high softball team or look into a cooperative agreement with Tri-City and Sangamon Valley.

The discipline report revealed that 2 high school students had been suspended for 1.5 and 8 days respectively, with 4 students serving in-school suspension. The grade school reported on out of school suspension for 2 days.

In Unfinished Business, the Board revisited last month's discussion of students wearing pajama bottoms to school. The Board directed both principals to list pajamas as inappropriate clothing for school.

In New Business, the MPHS Student Council presented an idea to keep high school homecoming as a fall activity rather than alternating between fall and winter. The Board unanimously encouraged the student council to schedule the dance and activities for dates of their choice agreed upon by the building administration and students.

The district food service provider, OPAA!, presented to the Board and explained price increases that were being driven by the elevated CPI of 8.3%. Superintendent Lamkey boasted about the successful relationship the district has developed with OPAA! and recommended renewing the contract. Board members offered constructive suggestions for the food service company and voted 6-0 to renew the yearly contract.

Next, Principals Lora and Fricke presented the handbook changes derived through committee work involving parents, staff, students, board members and administration. Highlighted items included senior exemptions from final exams, tardies and parking fees at the high school. The handbook changes were both approved 6-0.

Superintendent Lamkey explained change orders on the grade school and high school surveillance systems. Through Tech Electronics' upgrades to our systems, other needs have been identified at both the grade school and high school. The added cost of the change orders will be paid with the ESSER Grant. The motions were approved 6-0.

Mr. Lamkey then led a discussion to identify what Board members intended to participate in the grade school promotion and the high school graduation ceremonies. Mrs. Combs, Mr. Wilham and Mr. Brown will participate in the grade school promotion, along with newly elected Board member Blane Olson. Mrs. Combs, Mr. Wilham and Mr. Smith will issue diplomas at the high school ceremony.

The Board has had discussion about improving the front of the grade school building through collaborative efforts with the city. Mr. Lamkey has been advised that this project could not be pulled together and finished prior to the start of school by designers and the district architect. The Board will consider the necessity and timing of this project through Capital Projects Planning.

Next on the docket was the Personnel Report, which was approved 6-0 containing 14 hires and 2 resignations.

Hires

• Jon Tribler as MPHS Assistant Track Coach

• Rex Tschantz as MPHS Assistant Softball Coach

• Trent Kavelman as MPCUSD23 Athletic Director

• Jackie Hagan as MPGS Special Education Teacher

• Katie Gisinger as MPGS Special Education Teacher

• Patrick Hewitt as MPHS Drivers Education Teacher

• Troy Burgard as MPGS Baseball Coach

• Gale Clark as MPGS Assistant Baseball Coach

• Alora Goodey as MPHS Volleyball Coach

• Morgan Lolling as MPHS Assistant Volleyball Coach

• Nathan Sowers as MPHS Soccer Coach

• Chris Wilson as MPHS Assistant Soccer Coach’

• Jamie Selinger as MPHS Volunteer Assistant Soccer Coach

• Ryan Deibert as MPHS Golf Coach

Resignations

• Alisha Wahls as MPGS ELA Teacher

• Katie Carter as MPGS Science Teacher

Mrs. Fricke informed the Board that Alexis Wade was the MPHS Senior of the month!

The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the MPGS Learning Center.

[Sarah Farris
Administrative Professional
Mount Pulaski CUSD 23]