Dist. 300 board accepts Wheeler's resignation as DHS basketball coach; Luke Davison sworn in as new member to fill Rice vacancy
The swearing in of Luke Davison to the Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 Board of Education Thursday returned that board to seven members.
Davison fills the vacancy created by the untimely death in December of board member Charles "Beaver" Rice and, moreover, gives the board a tie-breaking vote in split 3-3 decisions.
It was, no doubt, a proud moment for Davison's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Lyle "Duke" Davison of Du Quoin as their son was sworn in by County Clerk Josh Gross. Donna is a respected retired elementary teacher and Duke is a retired insurance and real estate agent.
Davison is neither married nor has children, and settled back in Du Quoin with a love of education and writing. He helps manage the St. Nicholas Brewing Co. His appointment was made by Jackson/Perry County Regional Superintendent Donna Boros after the Du Quoin board failed to reach agreement on its own as to a replacement.
After the regular meeting, the board adjourned to executive session to consider the rehiring of personnel. Added to the agenda was a letter from head DHS basketball coach Wendell Wheeler, who formally resigns that position.
Wheeler had advised Supt. Gary Kelly of his decision two weeks ago. The winningest basketball coach in Du Quoin High School history (201 wins) had come back to the job for the second time after being terminated in 2005. He experienced a lackluster (8-20) season this year.
The board also accepted the resignation of Du Quoin Middle School language instructor Kristen Wilson. She is expecting a second child.
The board approved a 2015-2016 school calendar that begins with a two-day teachers' institute Friday, Aug. 14 and Monday, Aug. 17. The first day of student attendance is Aug. 18. The last day for students is May 27, 2016 and the last day of teacher attendance is May 31.
Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly touched on a forecast of more declining state aid to schools and foresees another 2.5% in state funding cuts. Those funds pay for 65 percent of the education fund.
Kelly said the district has countered with $1 million in cuts the past year, but because of that "there has been a burden taken on by our staff."
Business manager Cory Robbins said in the months ahead the district is going to have to plan for major building repairs and replace computers that use Windows XP software to allow students to take the new generation of PARCC academic tests.