Jason Blankenship

The key discussion item was the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Final Budget by Kyle Hacke. No public comments were offered during the session.

The meeting commenced with student presentations covering Enrichment classes, Financial Literacy experiences, and STEM activities involving coding. Administrator reports recognized teacher efforts regarding the new curriculum. Action items included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered financial reports and the proposed FY26 Budget. Personnel actions approved several employment agreements, including head coaches, assistant coaches, a paraprofessional, and yearbook sponsors. Discussion items included an enrollment report, upcoming items such as an audit report and a gun safe giveaway, and a facilities update noting the delivery of weight room equipment and upcoming maintenance on the South Campus parking lot. Furthermore, the board approved an extra duty pay proposal, an Intergovernmental Agreement for GIS School Safety Mapping offered at no cost via grant, and an FFA Overnight Trip to the National Convention.

Key discussions included a presentation by the FFA Officers regarding their National Convention trip, during which nine seniors were recognized as Illinois State Scholars. Administrator reports were received with no board questions. Personnel actions included accepting the resignation of a Bus Driver, approving the retirement of a 4th Bus Driver, and approving several new volunteer, sponsor, and staff employment positions. Discussion items covered a planned Student Centered Services Presentation, which was moved to the January meeting, and an update on the Superintendent's report concerning a new camera system and the wind turbine project, including a follow-up action to contact other districts regarding EAV impacts. The board also held a first reading of PRESS Policy Issue 120 regarding curriculum content notifications. Action items involved approving the 2025 Payable in 2026 Tax Levy, approving the Staffing Plan for the 2026-27 School Year, and approving the Macoupin County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting concluded with a closed session for personnel matters.

The proceedings involved a Truth in Taxation Levy Hearing. Key discussion focused on the 2025 payable in 2026 Tax Levy, during which it was presented that the tax rate would be approximately $0.20 to $0.23 less than the previous year. Public comment was provided by a resident requesting the board not adopt the proposed levy to assist community members with lower taxes. The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The Regular Board of Education Meeting agenda included a Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Communications, and Public Comment session. Key discussion items were centered around Student-Centered Services Presentation and the Superintendent's Report covering the Softball Field and School Calendar/Wednesday Schedule. Action items focused on personnel changes, including accepting resignations of two head coaches and approving the employment of several new coaches and staff, as well as a Middle School Principal's employment contract. Additionally, the Board considered approvals for the Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes, destruction of old Executive Session Audio Recordings, putting a Sidewalk Project up for bidding, adoption of Press Policy 120, purchase of Bus Stop Arms, approval of the District Auditor Contract for 2026, and adoption of a resolution to revise SASED Articles of Agreement. A Closed Session was held specifically for the Superintendent's Evaluation.