|
 The
Board then moved into executive session at 7:01 p.m. to discuss
employment and collective bargaining. The Board returned to regular
session at 7:37 p.m.
Under Recognition of Public, Mike Chandler was present to discuss
his concerns about the district's acceptance of ESSER funds.
The Board approved the Consent Agenda which included the payment of
bills, the sales tax revenue report, board minutes from the regular
meeting on February 22, 2023, special meetings, March 8 and 15,
2023, executive session minutes from February 22, March 8 and
March 15, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.
Under Reports, Superintendent Lamkey presented his report to the
Board and commented many of the items would be discussed as action
and discussion items on the agenda. Mrs. Lora then presented the
need for an additional special education teacher for next school
year.
Currently the district is looking to fill a special education
position from last summer that received no applicants. After good
discussion, the Board gave Mrs. Lora permission to search for both
special education positions. The new position would be in addition
to the unfilled position from last year. Mrs. Lora is optimistic in
her search, as she has two interviews already scheduled.
The discipline report revealed that the high school has had one in
school suspension and two out of school suspensions. The grade
school had one student suspended out of school.
Under Unfinished Business, the Board approved the Reduction in Force
List (RIF). School Code requires that each district create RIF each
year in collaboration with the bargaining unit to be prepared for
the circumstances that may require a district to reduce their
workforce. The two parties easily came to agreement, but no
reduction in force will be necessary.
The upcoming election has three candidates running for 3 open
positions on the MPCUSD23 Board of Education. Incumbents Ashley
Combs and Chris Brown have chosen to seek reelection while Rob Smith
declined to run for another term. New candidate Blane Olson is the
third candidate on the ballot. The newly elected members must be
seated 40 days after the April 4, 2023, election. This date falls
between regular Board meetings requiring the Board to set a special
meeting date to seat the newly elected members. The Board chose the
May 13, 2023, Data Retreat Meeting as the date to seat the new
members. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at Mt. Pulaski
High School.
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In New Business, the Board discussed moving Logan
County Sheriff Sergeant Josh Pharis from a part-time Student
Resource Officer to a full-time position. This would require an
approximate $35,000 increase in the district's current contract with
Logan County. While all six Board members were in favor of moving
the position to full-time, they asked Superintendent Lamkey to
negotiate with the Sheriff’s Office for a lower contract. No action
was taken.
District architect, Graham and Hyde, conducted a bid
opening last week for the MPGS basement classroom renovation.
Winning the bid and alternate bid combination was RD Lawrence as the
general contractor and DEM Services was awarded the bid for asbestos
abatement. The renovation project is designed to build four enclosed
classrooms, flooring, ceilings and electric services. Work is
scheduled to begin immediately after school ends and be completed
prior to the beginning of school.
President Cowan then summarized his discussion with the Mt. Pulaski
City Council about the disrepair of the Garden Street sidewalk,
trees and drainage in front of the Mt. Pulaski Grade School. Mr.
Cowan noted that the sidewalks in front of the grade school have
some of the highest foot traffic in the city and are currently in
very poor shape. The two groups agreed to collaboratively
investigate the costs of repair which would include tree removal,
sidewalk replacement, improved drainage, lighting, parking extension
and landscaping. The Board instructed Superintendent Lamkey to work
with the district architect to develop a plan and explore costs.
Next on the docket was the Personnel Report which was
approved 6-0 containing three hires two teachers awarded tenure and
one retirement.
● Hires
○ Rebecca Clarke as MPHS Paraprofessional with CNA Licensure
○ Emily Whitham as Homebound Instructor
○ Mark Graue as MPHS Scholastic Bowl Coach
● Retirement
○ F. Ray Morrow as MPGS Head Custodian
Under Items of Information, President Cowan reported that there were
no new conversations concerning the potential sale of Veterans Park.
Mrs. Fricke informed the Board that Evan Cooper was the MPHS Senior
of the month!
The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Monday,
April 17, 2023, at 7 p.m. in the MPGS Learning Center.
[Text from Sarah Farris
Administrative Professional
Mount Pulaski CUSD 23] |
