Published on February 16, 2026 8:48 pm
Last Updated on February 16, 2026 8:48 pm
South Side School administrators Jessica Reeder and Talitha Wiedman shared with Unit 40 school board members and administrators Monday the “hard work” that has gone into the improvement seen in the school.
The first and second grade goal is 80%. The first grade goal this year jumped to 88% and the second grade goal to over 90%.
Some of the keys to the improvement included implementation of an academic boot camp, book clubs involving public interaction involving adults at the building, a discipline system, a Family Engagement Night, team meetings, and goal setting that led students to be proud over seeing how their scores grew.
A state accountability re-design also helped South Side reach new heights. After years of commendable ratings, South Side this year reached exemplary status.
Reeder and Wiedman said the improvements also stemmed from trust, conversations and open dialogue, a mindset shift, and a team approach. Getting all of the first and second graders on one campus has also been a big help.
The Board acted on several personnel matters. Those hired were Kyle Webb as 8th grade boys track coach for this school year, Chris Moschenrose as a second shift custodian at South Side, and Brandi Wooten as a paraprofessional at South Side. Transfers approved were Amanda Hille as head cook at South Side, Stacey Winterstein as a four-hour cook at South Side, Devynn Haslett as secretary at the Early Learning Center for the coming school year, and Lauren Pals as Director of Special Education in July. Randy Hansen was approved as a volunteer junior high bass fishing assistant coach for this school year. Natalie Ritchey was terminated as a paraprofessional at the high school.
Board members approved administrative and director contracts with salary increases averaging 4.1%. That action is retroactive to the current school year.
The Board adjusted the school calendar by two days due to inclement weather in January. The last student attendance day will now be May 15. Action to eliminate the Summer Bridge Program and to move those opportunities to the 21st Century Grant Program was tabled until March; an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education was approved; Glass and Shuffett was approved for another year to handle audit duties for an amount not to exceed $35,000; and discussion about Unit 40 handling finances for CORE Academy was tabled until March.
There was discussion about next year’s school calendar including starting teachers on August 10 and students on August 12, two weeks off at Christmastime, and a half-day to end the year on May 13. The Board should vote on the calendar in March.
Andrew Altman and Jane Willenborg were not present for Monday’s meeting.
