Altamont School Board Hears Concerns About Seeking Food Service Bids

During their recent retreat, Altamont school board members heard concerns about seeking bids for food service.

Richard Fulk, representing the district cooks, presented information against going out for bids, as did Robin Belcher. Pat McWhorter presented specific information on meals the cooks prepare, and also indicated the Board should consider hiring a head cook.

There was no action on the issue.

Also, the Altamont board learned that 18 Altamont High School students had been registered to vote in the upcoming election. County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel visited the high school to register the students and generated interest from two students to serve as election judges.

Recognition was also given the Altamont ACES team members who are advancing to Sectional competition, and the five students who attended the Illinois Music Education Conference.

The Board discussed the meeting of Effingham County School Board representatives, with the next meeting scheduled for March 26 in Altamont, and purchased a new bus for $96,202 with trade-in. Intercom improvements by Consolidated Communications were approved, and the Board set high school Commencement for May 16 at 7pm.

Board members approved a VOLO app for a one-year contract at $5,000. The service is used in an emergency situation for better communication with first responders.

The Altamont board accepted notifications of retirement from Kristi Lange and Brenda Hammer at the end of the 2019-2020 school year; and from Karla McGinnis and Cheryl Jackman at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The Board contracted with Glass and Shffett for audit work; approved the employment of Trenton Deadmond as high school head girls track coach; approved a maternity leave for Jenna Murray through the end of the school year; approved a leave for Corletta Bowen; and approved Jared Nelson, Lucas Kroening and Justin Osteen as junior high volunteer assistant track coaches.

The Board approved intergovernmental agreements for the regional safe schools and for regional alternative high schools; dismissed bus driver Donald Reed; and did not renew the contract of non-tenured certified staff member Lauren Withiem.