Published on December 15, 2025 7:27 pm
Last Updated on December 16, 2025 6:12 am
School districts have to conduct a health and life safety survey of its buildings every 10 years. Problem areas are identified and steps to address those areas are taken.
Unit 40 school board members Monday heard about their buildings and what needs to be corrected.
A representative of BLDD Architects spoke to West Side, the junior high, South Side, the Early Learning Center, and Central. The high school was not included as it was addressed separately in recent years.
Some of the more expensive items identified include the gym floor at Central and abatement of asbestos beneath the floor; the ceiling and use of attic space along with the canopy at the Early Learning Center; the boiler room at South Side; and the HVAC at the junior high.
Once the problem items are identified, a plan to correct them over the coming 10 years will be developed.
The Board passed the fiscal year tax levy. The rate dropped to 3.5579, less than last year. The Board recognized the junior high softball team and coaches Lori Koester and Jalana Robison for their success the past season; and Superintendent Andrew Johnson shared that Jennifer Hess and Kathleen Henderson have been named to the Unit 40 Foundation Board. Johnson also reported that district enrollment is at 2,308…the same as last month and four more students from last year at this time.
The Board also approved submittal of a maintenance grant request for $50,000 to help cover the cost of fencing at South Side School. The work will be done in-house.
In personnel moves, the Unit 40 board accepted the resignation of Mason Hull as junior high assistant baseball coach. Those hired as 21st Century Grant Site Supervisors for 3rd Quarter are Aaron Adams, Abbey Armstrong, Brooke Bayles, Tracie Beard, Ryan Ervin, Julie Flack, Jenni Fritcher, Sara Mette and Jalana Robison. Those hired as Lead Instructors for the quarter are Ashley Delks, Alex Estes and Jill Feldhake. Those hired as Grant Facilitators are Kayla Blair, Becky Daugherty, Paige Gillmore, April Hardiek, Raylen Hardiek, Seth Hinson, Barb Jamison, Leslie Koester, Kali Ort, Natalie Ritchey, Elizabeth Russell, Brandon Wilson and Ana Macias. Those hired as Grant Facilitator Assistants for the quarter are Hannah Fouts, Gina Hewing and Leia Klein. Those hired for Food Services for the quarter are Courtney Bushue, Regina King and Lori West. Those hired as bus drivers for the quarter are Cindy Curry and Nathan Delks. Hired as a bus aide for the quarter was Kelli Robertson. Also hired Monday were Bryce Braddy as junior high assistant baseball coach for the 26-27 school year and Laura Campbell as head cook at the high school. Transferred was Heath Rauch as a first shift custodian at Central.
