Matthew Donkin

Key discussion items for the meeting include the consideration of a resolution to abate taxes levied for debt service on General Obligation School Bonds Series 2023, authorization to secure a line of credit, and authorization to seek bids for mowing services. Other items involve the first reading of amendments to Board Policy, consideration of the 2026 FCHS Graduation Date, and updates regarding renovation planning and master planning studies for Frankfort Community High School facilities, including the potential letting of bids for a Water & Plumbing Line Project for Science Labs. The agenda also includes potential closed session discussions covering employment matters, collective negotiating, security procedures, and student-related issues, alongside consideration of personnel actions such as retirements/resignations, employment of custodians and support staff, and coaching appointments.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from the Superintendent regarding the Laborer's Program and a potential regional building trades class, along with a required FOIA report detailing various requests received by the District. School Building Administrators provided highlights of their written reports. The Maintenance report noted the completion of a sewer line replacement at Johnson Field and ongoing work on FCHS boilers and CJHS light fixtures. Old Business involved the acceptance and approval of the FY 2024-2025 School District Audit and the ratification of a Joint Agreement with John A. Logan College concerning data sharing for remediation courses. New Business focused heavily on Business Operations Proposals and Agreements, including the adoption of the Tax Year 2025 Payable 2026 Property Tax Levy, ratification of numerous amendments to Board Policies following an IASB update, approval of the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, and the ratification of Memorandums of Understanding and Internship Agreements with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and The University of West Florida, respectively. The Board also approved an FFA field trip and authorized the posting for an English Language Learner Coordinator and a custodial position. In Personnel matters, the Board accepted resignations, ratified a tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with the West Frankfort Aides Council, and ratified a Memorandum of Understanding regarding an Assistant Principal stipend position. Employment was approved for an Assistant Girls' Track Coach at FCHS and volunteer sponsoring positions for CJHS Cheerleading.

The primary agenda item was the Truth in Taxation Hearing for the proposed Tax Year 2025 Payable 2026 Tax Levy. There were no delegates, visitors, or public comments presented regarding the proposed tax levy.

The meeting involved public comments concerning ongoing teacher's contract negotiations. Key actions included the approval of bills and financial reports. The Superintendent provided updates, including a report on FOIA requests received, and reported that the final health insurance renewal rate resulted in a 16% hike. New business addressed the ratification of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Budget, which was noted as a deficit budget. The Board also approved an agreement for student teaching placements with Western Governors University and approved participation in an IHSA Chess Cooperative with Herrin Community Unit School District #4, as well as participation in the IHSA Series Competition in Speech. Facility updates covered completed roof and trim work at DES and the timely completion of the FCHS Tuckpointing project. Furthermore, the Board held two closed sessions; one regarding evidence presented for denial of admission to school events, resulting in a one-year prohibition for Mr. Salem Hollis from school property, and another to discuss personnel matters. Personnel actions included the approval of Mr. Nathan Wilburn as Head Girls' Track Coach for the upcoming year and authorization to post a vacancy for an Assistant Girls' Track Coach.

The Regular Meeting covered several administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included the approval of bills and financial reports, and reports from various administrative departments, including the Superintendent's update on community activities and FOIA requests received. Business operations proposals involved awarding a bid for Electrical Utility Services to Homefield Electric and tabling a joint agreement with John A. Logan College regarding data sharing for remediation courses. Curricular items included the approval for Frankfort High School students to participate in the IHSA Series in Bowling. Facility discussions centered on authorizing an application for an ISBE School Maintenance Project Grant to address ceiling replacement, window/wall covering, and plumbing/draining needs. The Board also convened a lengthy Closed Session to discuss employee compensation, collective negotiating matters, security, and potential litigation, reconvening afterwards. Personnel actions included the employment of an Assistant Girls' Basketball Coach and the approval of volunteer coaching and sponsor-coach positions for Bowling, Boys' Basketball, and the Speech Team.