Published on July 21, 2025 7:26 pm
Last Updated on July 22, 2025 6:14 am
Unit 40 school board members Monday heard from Superintendent Andy Johnson about funding cuts.
Currently, funds have been cut for the 21st Century program, which has provided money for after-school programs during the school year and for summer school programs. Johnson said the 21st Century funds may be back, but without the funds, “we can’t operate the program.” He’s hopeful the funds will be reinstated and asked the Board members to be ready to hire personnel.
Johnson also shared about South Side School and the work that had been planned there. Most of the projects were put on hold last month, and now any remaining work will have to wait to make sure the mobile classrooms are in place for the start of the school year.
The District has also lost the school magazine, “The Torch”, again, due to a cut in funds. Johnson said a third of the grant funds have been eliminated.
The Board also heard from Kay Pemberton about an endeavor called Love the Ham. Pemberton told Board members the program is designed to match volunteer needs with student volunteers. The Board also commended high school girls track state competitors and the high school bass fishing squad that made it to State.
Board members approved a lease agreement between Tri-Bar Investments and Unit 40 for the Little Hearts Early Childhood Center. It’s a two-year agreement at $3,125/month. Johnson said the tuition won’t be changing, and also stated that Little Hearts is self-funded, not with tax dollars.
The Board contracted with BLDD Architects for a 10-year health/life safety agreement. The contract will cost $51,585 is required by the School Code. Buildings are surveyed, then the District has 10 years to complete the projects identified as needed.
Here are the personnel moves approved Monday by the Unit 40 school board:
EMPLOYMENT:
Jiletta Patton 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
Sydnee Lewis JH B-Team Volleyball Coach
Joseph Buscher 4-Hr. Bus Driver
RECLASSIFICATION:
Lori Koester Varsity Assistant Softball Coach
Garrett Wolfe 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
VOLUNTEER:
Kammy McKenna HS Girls Assistant Tennis Coach
Lisa Sigg HS Assistant Cheer Basketball Coach
Jacy Boatman HS Assistant Volleyball Coach
Andrew Donaldson 5th/6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
RESIGNATION:
Jackie Jones Cook at EJHS
Erica Schumacher Speech Language Pathologist
Lauren Meyer LH Instructor
Kathy Cramsey Assistant Transportation Director
Andrew Donaldson 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
