A Time to Look to the Future, A Time to Say Thanks for a Job Well-Done 

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Effingham Unit 40 school board members Monday looked to the future while also saluting those who have served well.

Unit 40 Superintendent Andrew Johnson said the district is estimating that 160 students will be entering Kindergarten in August. That number was shared while Johnson said smaller classes are expected in the next few years. He said enrollment is up from last month, but down at this point from last year.

While considering enrollment, the Board also took time to say farewell to 19 district employees who are retiring. One person is leaving after two years, but three people are retiring with 40 or more years on the job…Penny Deters with 41 years, and Patty Keck and Angela Probst with 40 years apiece.

2026 Retirees: L to R:

Rod Wiethop, Todd Schuette, Angie Probst, Judy Wall, Tammy Birch, and Allen Birch

Not Pictured:  Barb Kreke, John Limes, Amanda Swan, Larry Micenheimer, Paula Bullard, Rebecca Meyers, Esther Thompson, Norene Ault, Deb Blankenship, Katie Breer, Pansy Limes, Patty Keck, and Penny Deters

Assistant Superintendent Kelsey Baker reported that the District’s all funds balance is up more than 12%, while the operating funds balance is up almost 9%. Johnson shared that the Unit 40 Foundation awarded well over a million dollars in scholarships. 73 scholarships were awarded to 100 applicants. Johnson also mentioned that 38 Effingham High School seniors, juniors and sophomores were honored at this year’s Society for Academic Achievement awards banquet.

Jane Willenborg will again serve as the Board’s representative on the Eastern Illinois Area Special Education Board, while Board President Jill Wendling will serve as the alternate. Baker reported that the fiscal year finished down $263,000 from last year, leaving the District “pretty close to a balanced budget.”

The Board approved 21st Century Grant Summer School agreements with the Effingham Park District for programs at the Ron Diehl Center at Hendelmeyer Park and at Evergreen Hollow Park for this summer. Also approved was a renewal of iPads and cases for the Early Learning Center at a cost not to exceed $75,000.

Board members also acted on a number of personnel moves, as follows:

EMPLOYMENT:
Jaykob Archer–Choral Director at EHS & EJHS and HS Chorus for the 2026-27 School Year
Grace Renfrow–General Education Teacher at SS for the 2026-27 School Year
Jean Cornell–HS Yearbook Sponsor for the 2026-27 School Year
Erin Browne–HS Fall Play Director for the 2026-27 School Year
Mallory Walls–HS Drama Club Sponsor and HS Spring Musical Director for the 2026-27 School Year
Aaron Adams, Brooke Bayles, Tracie Beard, Ryan Ervin, Jenni Fritcher, JaLana Robison, Lisa Thompson–21st Century Summer Program Site Supervisors
Brooke Bayles, Haley Brown, Darlene Coffin, Becky Daugherty, Ryan Ervin, Jill Feldhake, Julie Flack, Karla Greenwood, Kaleena Knaus, Kammy McKenna, Erica McNeely, Autumn Peddycoart, Elizabeth Russell, Yvonne West, Brandi Wooten–21st Century Summer Program Lead Instructors
Patricia Day, Stacey Hollinshead, Leslie Koester, Darlene Krietemeyer, Brittney Lindsey, Lisa Miller, Kali Ort–21st Century Summer Program Facilitators
Madilyn Garrison, Isabella Harkins-Albin, Nora Mitchell, Brennan Murbarger–21st Century Summer Program Facilitator Assistants
Laura Campbell, Jaiden Olinger, Denise White–21st Century Summer Program Food Service
Nathan Delks–21st Century Summer Program Bus Driver
Lisa Campton–21st Century Summer Program Bus Aide
RESIGNATION:
Cindy Curry–3 Hr. Cook at EJHS
Chelsea Wakefield–6 Hr. Cook at EHS
Kelley Esker–Bus Driver