Unit 40 Board Discusses Pilot Program w/Park District and Library

The Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Monday discussed a pilot program involving students at Effingham Junior High School, the Effingham Park District and Effingham Public Library.

The EXCEL Pilot Program will be offered during April. The program will be offered twice a week, after school until 5:30pm. EXCEL is an acronym for Effingham Xtra-Curricular Engagement and Leadership. The program will be offered to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades who are looking to engage in the community and build skills during their time after school.

The organizing groups have partnered with local businesses and organizations to offer these themes: gardening, gymnastics, cooking, brain games, parks and beautification, and a service project. 

Transportation will be provided for Unit 40 students from the junior high to the program location for the day. Parents will pick up their student from the program location at 5:30pm. Parents will be kept up-to-date and informed on their student's location in case changes need to be made due to inclement weather.

Registration will be conducted through the Effingham Park District. Forms can be picked up and dropped off at the Effingham Junior High School office. Participants will be capped at 20 for the pilot program. It's hoped a full program will be offered for the fall semester.

The registration deadline is Thursday, March 29.

The Board Monday also expelled three students through the end of the 2018-2019 school year. They will have the option of participating in an alternative education program.

The Board also acted on a number of personnel matters. 

Jordan Jaspering and Obie Farmer were hired as PE teachers for next school year, Jaspering at Central School and Farmer at the high school. Jaspering and Farmer were also appointed as assistant football coaches, Jaspering was appointed next year's high school head boys track coach, and Farmer was appointed high school assistant boys basketball coach.

Resignations were accepted, including that of high school assistant principal McLain Schaefer, who is leaving after this school year to go back to the Mattoon district where he will become a grade school principal. Other resignations were from Kelly Langford as nurse paraprofessional, Julie Flack and Katherine Mette as co-sponsors of the high school Student Council as of the end of the school year, Michael Woltman as sophomore boys basketball coach and as assistant boys track coach as of the end of the school year, Jovon Glasper as an assistant football coach, and David Woltman as boys head track coach as of the end of the school year. 

A retirement was accepted from Judy Ruffner as head cook at the Early Learning Center as of April 3. Leaves of absence were approved for Nicole McClellan and Michelle Sidwell.