Altamont School Board Action

We reported earlier this month about the Altamont Board of Education's action including administrative changes.

The Board approved a separation agreement with Superintendent Steve Mayerhofer, as of January 11, and the employment of former superintendent Jim Littleford to return as interim superintendent through June 30. The Board in the meantime is moving ahead with hiring their next superintendent, effective July 1, including interviews this month.

The Board also approved Doug Hill's contract as grade school principal for next year and Jerry Tkachuk's contract as high school principal until his retirement at the end of 2021. Assistant High School Principal and Athletic Director Peggy Bueker will succeed Tkachuk as high school principal at that time.

Meanwhile, the Altamont board approved the issuance of new bonds that are expected to save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest costs, and approved an intergovernmental agreement for the Effingham Regional Career Academy.

The Altamont board heard from Don Williamson on the Altamont Trap Shooting team and their fall season. The 10-person team received first, second and third place honors. 

The Board also voted to require in-person learning for all students in the Altamont district as soon as the state enters Tier 2 mitigations, with the exception of students that have documented medical waivers. The Altamont area is part of Region 6, which was shifted to Tier 1 status as of this week.

Board members also approved the addition of a one-semester Social Studies course, to be paired with Speech and required for sophomores. The two courses will be a graduation requirement for all students beginning with the Class of 2025.