Published on May 12, 2026 11:24 am
Last Updated on May 12, 2026 5:17 pm
Teutopolis school board members Monday reviewed the findings from a recent listening session concerning renovation of the grade school building.
The findings were compiled at the end of the listening session when those who toured the building met in the cafeteria and compiled lists of priorities.
Topping the lists:
ACCESSIBILITY–ADA…Wheelchair…Handicap accessibility
SAFETY–Update exit doors…Inside doors and locks
CLASS SIZE/STAFFING–Growing enrollment with no space…Classroom size for adequate learning
PLUMBING/RESTROOMS–Sewer and water…plumbing updates…Updated restrooms
SPACE–More classrooms…More space…Get out of closet spaces
GYM/STAGE/FINE ARTS–Fine arts theater (its own space)
Teutopolis Superintendent Matt Sturgeon said a good amount of input was received at the listening session, but further steps are being planned. Those steps will include a video tour to be available within the next week to 10 days…appearances before community groups to share information…work with St. Francis Parish, which owns the grade school, on tours following Masses…another Town Hall session in mid- to late-June…and coffee hours to talk informally about plans for the building.
While projects already completed, such as at the high school, or projects underway, such as at the junior high school, involved existing funds, the improvements expected at the grade school would mean generating additional funds. Sturgeon said that would be through a referendum that could occur this year.
Meanwhile, Sturgeon updated the Board on the junior high school project, which involves additional space to relocate the sixth grade classrooms, freeing up space at the grade school. He said the exterior walls of the junior high addition are up, and said the addition should be under roof in June. He said the project is still on track for completion in August.
The Board was updated on summer maintenance projects, including a welding lab upgrade, a high school gym digital display project with the Teutopolis Sportsbackers, permanent goal placement and surface work for the soccer field, and parking lot striping.
Board members approved a tentative amended budget for the current fiscal year with final action in June. The Board accepted the resignation from Brendan Niebrugge as junior high assistant basketball coach with him remaining as a volunteer, and approved the hiring of Natalie Borries as a 5th grade teacher, Audrey Runde as a kindergarten teacher, and Robin Imburgia as a junior high cheer sponsor.
