Published on May 18, 2026 6:57 pm
Last Updated on May 18, 2026 6:57 pm
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. We will have a full list of retirees for later newscasts.
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.
