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.
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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
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] |