School board needs to again fill vacant spot
Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 board president Mike Ward's election to the Du Quoin City Council April 7 requires -- by Illinois statute -- that he resigns from his seat on the board of education.
As was the case following the death last year of board member Charles Rice, the board is soliciting letters of interest from individuals interested in the vacancy. Those interested must live in Township 6-1. Letters should be addressed to the District #300 Board of Education, 845 East Jackson Street, Du Quoin, IL 62832 and are due to the District #300 central office by Friday, May 1, 2015.
Ultimately, regional superintendent Donna Boros filled the Rice seat with the appointment of Luke Davison after the board found itself at an impasse over filling the seat.
The same thing will happen again if the board fails to agree on a new board member.
The board of education will reorganize, naming officers for the coming term, at the regular Thursday, May 14 meeting.
Setting the timeline for filling the vacancy was part of Thursday night's meeting. Other action included the following:
Resignations
The Board accepted the resignation of Ryan Heape as Middle School 8th grade boys basketball coach effective at the present time.
The board accepted the resignation of Chuck Montgomery as Middle School 7th Grade girls basketball coach effective at the present time.
The board accepted the resignation of Pamela Pursell as high school cheerleader sponsor effective at the present time.
Reassignments Approved
The board approved to re-assign or employ the following to certified positions as part o the budget deficit reduction plan implementation: Derek Beard -- Elementary/Middle School special education, Leslie Small -- 5th grade, and Katie Hicks -- Middle School physical education.
The board re-employed all non-certified support staff for 2015-2016 school year.
Administrators Rehired
The board re-employed the following district administration for the 2015-2016 school year: Matt Hickam -- high school principal, Jeff Gossett -- high school assistant principal, Aaron Hill -- Middle School principal, and Cory Robbins -- district business manager. The re-employment of other administrative staff members will come later.
Summer School
The Director of Instructional Services gave an update on summer school program preparation. The summer school program for elementary and middle school students will take place June 15-July 10, 2015.
End of Year Calendar Items
Approved the dates for annual FCA middle school camp which will be held June 9-11, 2015.
Amended the 2014-2015 school calendar with Wednesday, May 27, 2015 being the last day of student attendance and Thursday, May 28, 2015 being a teacher's institute day.
Approved the middle school promotion for Friday, May 22, 2015 and high school graduation for Saturday, May 23, 2015 with both events being held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
And, Finally
Approved the renewal of COPE and Project SOAR Alternative School agreements with the Regional Office of Education;
Adopted a resolution to abate property taxes relative to series 2010A bonds;
The board discussed the budgetary concerns for this year as the result of HB 317/318 and the continued delay of state categorical aid for special education and transportation. After discussion the board approved giving the superintendent authority to make fund transfers as needed and to establish a temporary loan through Du Quoin State Bank if needed.
The board approved the parent/student handbook changes for 2015-2016 school year as presented by the building principals. Those changes will be detailed in an upcoming story.
The Board approved the submittal of the summer food service program application to ISBE