Unit 40 Board Discusses House Bill 246

Superintendent Mark Doan said the prevailing view during the discussion was to oppose the legislation, arguing that such a measure takes away local control over what is taught to district students. A vote on a resolution opposing the bill was 6-0. Member Todd Schaefer was not present for the meeting.

The Board purchased French I and II textbooks and digital support at a cost of $9,901 and junior high Social Studies textbooks for Grades 6 thru 8 at a cost of $66,957. They also approved continuing the SEPCO food purchasing cooperative with other districts to keep down the cost of purchasing food. The Board also considered bids on used buses. One unit was sold to the Hutsonville district, and two were sold to the St. Elmo district, three were used as trade-ins, and the seventh will be retained by Unit 40. Doan said the District realized almost $12,000 in profit in taking bids on the vehicles.

The Board tabled action on an asbestos abatement bid for work at the junior high school until bids on the remaining renovation work are considered at the regular monthly meeting on April 29.

The meeting on the 29th is also when retiring board members Carol Ruffner and Schaefer will be recognized. Retiring member and Board President Jeff Michael was recognized at last night's meeting since he will be away on the 29th. Michael, Ruffner and Schaefer did not seek re-election earlier this month.

The Board took action on several personnel moves. Those hired are Kammy McKenna as an Art teacher at the junior high for the coming year, Jordan Andruch as a Science teacher at the junior high for the coming year, Curran McNeely as a PE and Health teacher at the high school next year as well an assistant football coach, Chris Stinebring  as a Science teacher at the high school for the coming year as well as high school freshman boys basketball coach, Lacy Althoff as a Kindergarten teacher at the ELC for the coming year, Erica Warner as a secretary and receptionist at the Board of Education office, and Lisa Abbott as a paraprofessional.

Also Gerri Cochran was granted a leave of absence. Resignations were accepted from Courtney Deters as a teacher at the high school, Carsen Funneman as the co-Student Council sponsor at the junior high, Jim McElroy as a bus driver as of the end of the year, and Ryan Wohltman as a teacher at the junior high.

Appointments were approved for Dana Koester and Ashley Kreke as head high school varsity cheer coaches with Koester serving two-thirds of the time, and Lisa Sigg as a volunteer high school cheer coach.