Josh Benefiel

The Board reviewed the FY2026 Tentative Budget and agreed to place the document on public display until formal adoption. The Board adopted the FY2026 Hazardous Route Resolution allowing the district to transport students living North of IL Rte. 33, that also live within 1.5 miles of school. The Board reviewed the latest Board Policy Updates from IASB PRESS Policy Services and agreed to place them on public display until formal adoption. The board was updated on registration and enrollment figures for the upcoming school year. The Board discussed a community survey to be distributed to all Dieterich Schools stakeholders. The Board reviewed options for a facility project that would include a new roof on the Junior High and Cafeteria portions of the building, as well as the feasibility of adding solar panels when replacing the roof. Personnel moves included approving a leave of absence, accepting a resignation, and hiring new staff.

The Board meeting commenced with student recognitions, including the undefeated 7th Grade Boy's Basketball Team and Illinois State Scholars. Consent agenda items included approving January minutes and reports, amending the calendar to account for two Emergency Days used in January, designating the Superintendent to prepare the FY 2027 District Budget, setting the tentative High School Graduation date for May 16th, and approving facility use and several field trips for the Band, Auto Club, and 6th Grade. The Principals reported on PreK/Kindergarten screening progress and scheduling updates, noting the Elementary school's transition to a 5-day schedule. Personnel actions involved renewing the Elementary Principal's contract, approving a Dean of Student's contract, reassigning a 3rd Grade Teacher to JH Math, hiring two sub bus drivers, approving a leave of absence for a support staff member, and adjusting cheer coaching stipends. The Superintendent provided an update on the improving health insurance loss ratio, reviewed options for the 2026-27 District Calendar, publicly thanked EJ Water for snow removal assistance, discussed a Regional Growth Alliance membership request without action, and provided updates on CORE Academy enrollment and future course offerings.

The board recognized outgoing members and seated incoming members, then scheduled a special meeting to interview applicants for a vacant board seat. They adopted the regular board meeting schedule for 2025-26. The board reviewed the FY2025 Tentative Amended Budget, reducing expenditures by $264,000.00. They also approved the destruction of closed session audio recordings, the 2025-26 Master Schedule for the Jr-Sr High School, and the 2025-26 Fee Schedule with minor increases. A donation from local Lutheran Churches was accepted, and membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards was renewed. The board approved a trip for the high school basketball team, a purchase agreement for an internet phone system, new high school science textbooks, and renewed property casualty insurance. They also approved the purchase of new uniforms for various school teams. Several personnel moves were made, including accepting a resignation and hiring bus drivers and volunteer coaches. A Memorandum of Understanding was approved to establish a stipend for a Head Golf Coach. The superintendent discussed the upcoming School Board Conference and repairs to the elementary gym roof and also discussed seeking options for copier service.

The Board convened for the FY 2026 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting, addressing various key items. These included reviewing and approving the FY 2025 Teacher and Administrator Salary Report, seniority lists for certified and support staff, and a field trip request for the Annual FFA Convention. The District Bullying Policy and District Risk Management Plan were reviewed and approved, along with the adoption of a Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the FY2026 District Budget. The meeting also covered current PreK-12 enrollment figures, recognition of the Dieterich Pre-K Program's ExceleRate Circle of Quality award, and discussion of a facility project involving roof replacement, solar panels, tuckpointing, and a covered walkway. Personnel moves included hiring student workers, approving a leave of absence, and accepting a letter of retirement.

The Board meeting commenced with recognition of the 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team for placing 4th at the IESA 2A State Tournament. OPAA! Food Service provided an update covering new menu items, participation rates, special events, and the Grab & Go Breakfast program. Consent agenda approvals included renewing membership in the Dieterich Business Association and approving out-of-state field trips for the High School Band to St. Louis and the Elementary and Junior High Band to Hillsboro, IN. The Board also granted access to school district logos for Sweet Corn Ventures/RoadRunner Refuel merchandise, with proceeds benefiting the school, and officially recognized Junior High Trap as an activity. Principals reported on elementary student progress monitoring scores and updates from the Jr-Sr High staff regarding curriculum mapping, course descriptions, and handbook changes following the Teacher Institute Day. Personnel actions included accepting a coaching resignation and approving a leave of absence for a certified employee.