Julie Tinder

The meeting included recognition of the Riverton High School Cheerleading Team and individual achievements at the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp. The Board discussed and approved the admissions, athletic officials compensation, and bench officials compensation rates for the 2025-2026 school year. They also approved the resolution to reauthorize Illinois National Bank, the Illinois Trust, and the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus as authorized depositories, investment managers, dealers, and brokers, as well as the 2025-2026 instructional materials list and replacement plan. Additionally, a hearing date was set for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The Board decided not to pursue purchasing a property adjacent to Riverton Elementary School or upgrading the sign at Riverton Middle School at this time.

The strategic plan for Riverton Community Unit School District #14 is centered around creating a supportive environment that inspires and challenges students to reach their highest potential, ensuring they are well-prepared for life. Key goals include enhancing life readiness through educational and life opportunities, improving mental and physical health, and ensuring smooth life transitions for students. The plan also focuses on operational services such as facilities modernization, resource conservation, and safety and security. Community engagement is a priority, with efforts to improve communication, increase extracurricular activities, and strengthen community connections to support the schools and students.

The Committee of the Whole meeting reviewed the agenda for the regular board meeting, which included action items such as approving the FY24 amended budget, final reading of 24 policies, school-wide ESSA plans, the district's consolidated plan, strategic plan, performance evaluation plan for certified staff, updates to several job descriptions, a high school field trip, a shared teaching agreement, a three-year auditing services agreement, the non-union wage schedule, and the amended board calendar. Updates were also given on the middle school flooring project and the elementary school playground project.

The Committee of the Whole meeting reviewed the agenda for the regular board meeting, which included action items such as approval of the 2024-2025 school year calendar, reauthorization of legal counsel, approval of the certified staff position list, approval of the FY2024 tentative amended budget (with a public hearing set for June 10, 2024), first reading of 25 policies, approval of the Coach & Sponsor Handbook, approval of a usage agreement with the Riverton First Baptist Church, approval of a technology support service agreement with Quality Network Solutions, approval of several safety hazard applications, and approval of a contract renewal agreement with Opaa! Food Management Company, Inc. A special meeting was scheduled for May 23, 2024 to approve contracts for new coaches. Concerns were raised regarding new hires speaking publicly about their positions before official board approval.

The Committee of the Whole meeting reviewed the agenda for the regular board meeting, including consent agenda items, communication topics, and team reports. New business items included a resolution to regulate expense reimbursements, approval of the Educational Support Personnel Seniority List, approval of a Discipline Improvement Plan, approval of a field trip for the high school band, guitar class, and choir, and approval of a cooperative agreement for junior high track and field. A study session also covered upcoming construction projects and high school course and schedule updates.