Published on September 14, 2026 7:06 pm
Last Updated on September 15, 2026 8:35 am
Effingham Unit 40 school board members Monday discussed what projects could be undertaken, or might have already been completed, had the 1% sales tax been passed.
Assistant Superintendent Kelsey Baker said projects on the horizon for the coming year could include fencing at South Side, a fence around the pond at Central School, and the parking lot at Effingham High School.
Superintendent Andy Johnson said there is currently no interest among Board members to revisit the sales tax issue.
The Board heard from Curriculum Director Michelle Beck on the 21st Century grant program, both after school efforts and summer programs. Beck said the turnout for the program has grown from 139 students to 200 students and 234 students. She said it would be bad for the community to lose the program and is hopeful the grant funding will continue.
The Board approved the crisis plan for the coming fiscal year, approved a tentative budget plan, and approved the treasurer’s bond.
Board members heard from Angie Byers regarding the wait for funding for district support staff in the wake of the new contract. Byers said the funding might not be available until later this year.
The Board also heard from past school board members Delbert Soltwedel and David Worman who wondered why football players weren’t on the field for the National Anthem. We will check on why that occurred.
The Unit 40 Board also took these personnel actions:
EMPLOYMENT:
Phoenix Coleman–2nd Shift Custodian at CGS
Mackenzie Buening–Parapro at SS
Aaron Adams–21st Century Program Site Supervisor, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Kevin Hiatt, Jessica James, Jill Feldhake, Amy (Kepp) Ruckman, Alex Estes, Brandi Wooten–21st Century Program Lead Instructors, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Kyle Webb, Amy Minor, Katie Lacy–21st Century Program Facilitators, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Hannah Fouts, Adelyn Buhnerkempe, Kaydence Grigg, Madilyn Garrison, Ella Raddatz, Emily Loew, Mally Shoemaker, Brennan Murbarger, Nevaeh Musson, Kylie Webb, Payton Volk–21st Century Program Facilitator Assistants, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Sara Deters–21st Century Program Food Services, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Kelli Robertson 21st Century Program Bus Aide, First Quarter – Sept 8-Oct 15, 2026
Lexi Chrappa 6th Grade Volleyball Coach for the 2026-27 School Year
Kayla Blair–Director of Transportation
Janelle Schuette–HS Head Varsity Basketball Cheer Coach for the 2026-27 School Year
TRANSFER:
Morgan Wilson–HS Assistant Boys Golf Coach for the 2026-27 School Year
Aaron Witges–HS Girls Varsity Basketball Coach for the 2027-28 School Year
Kammy McKenna–HS Volunteer Assistant Girls Tennis Coach for the 2026-27 School Year
Lanie Carder–HS Assistant Girls Tennis Coach for the 2026-27 School Year
Lindsey Harris–3 Hr. Cook at EJHS
RESIGNATION:
Quenten Austin–Volunteer HS Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach
Brittney Lindsey–Paraprofessional
Brandie Thompson–Paraprofessional
Kammy McKenna–HS Assistant Girls Tennis Coach
Laura Sullivan–CTE Programs and Pathways Coordinator
Teresa Riley–3 Hr Cook
Riley Crain–Varsity Head Basketball Cheer Coach
Lindsey Harris–Bus Aide
Jerry Trigg–HS Head Softball Coach
Keyara Tolch–Teacher Assistant at LHECC
Lisa Wagner–Teacher Assistant at LHECC
The Board also increased sub regular routes bus driver pay. Superintendent Johnson indicated Unit 40 needs help this week, if anyone is interested in working and if they have their bus license already.
