Molly Harlan

The board meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters. A public budget hearing was held concerning the amended budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which was subsequently approved. Consent agenda items approved included financial reports for the period ending May 31, 2023, and staff travel analysis. Approval was granted for a facility use request from KSED for a Governing Board meeting in August 2023. Reports were provided on summer school conclusions, upcoming registration, staff hiring status, building painting projects, and the annexation addition project which is currently awaiting EPA clearance regarding a potential protected waterway. The board discussed the proactive consideration of purchasing Open Gate system metal detectors for enhanced security. Discussions also covered a potential transition to self-provided bus transportation for the 2023-2024 school year, anticipating the withdrawal of West Bus Service, and the potential leasing of buses from Central States. Finally, several resignations for aide, supervisor, and security guard positions for the end of the 2022-2023 school year or effective July 3, 2023, were accepted, and new personnel were employed for the in-school supervisor and welding teacher roles. Board policy reviews were tabled for the next meeting.

Key discussion topics included the acceptance of agenda items covering minutes from a previous meeting, financial reports including the Treasurer's report, budget analysis, expenditures, and bills/payroll totaling $1,578,805.40. Principal reports detailed current Annex enrollment, upcoming staff luncheon, exam schedules, and recognition of the Superintendent of the Year. The Superintendent reported on the status of the solar power project. Actions taken by the Board included approving a tax abatement resolution related to alternative revenue bonds paid via sales tax, approving the 2025 tax levy with a proposed increase of 4.99% (resulting in a decreased tax rate), approving the list of mid-term graduates, and approving the FY25 audit, which noted a finding regarding the treasurer's bond but maintained recognition status. The Board also reviewed the first reading of numerous updated board policies, discussed scheduling a future board retreat, accepted a letter of resignation from an Annex security guard, and employed a new Industrial Tech Auto Teacher.

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, student discipline, and the sale of real estate, which concluded after approximately 44 minutes. Key open session discussions included approval of financial reports covering the period ending December 31, 2025, and staff travel analysis. Student Council reported on upcoming events like the Polar Plunge and a blood drive benefiting Special Olympics. Principals provided updates on annex enrollment, ACT practice testing for juniors, and scheduling for upcoming school events, including Black History Week and school improvement day. The Superintendent announced that the solar power system officially became operational on January 20th and discussed recent technology conference trends focusing on AI and VR. The Board approved resolutions authorizing and directing the sale and conveyance of specific real estate located at 330 Melrose Avenue, Centralia, IL, including approval of the notice of sale for the property. Furthermore, the Board approved the second reading of numerous updated board policies spanning governance, fiscal management, personnel, and student conduct. The decision to explore alternative health insurance bidding options was approved due to recent cost increases. Updates were provided regarding necessary sidewalk work and parking lot resurfacing due to deteriorating concrete. In personnel actions, the Board approved placing a student on placement at the Alternative Learning Academy in lieu of expulsion for gross insubordination, accepted the retirement letter of a custodian effective July 30, 2026, and accepted a coaching resignation. Employment was approved for a new Annex security guard and two volunteer bass fishing coaches, contingent on required background checks, as well as the employment of a math department coordinator for the following school year.

The Board met to discuss personnel and student discipline matters during a closed session. A presentation was made by a student requesting permission for graduating seniors to decorate graduation caps, which the Board took under advisement. Reports were provided by the Principal and Superintendent regarding school activities, budget advocacy, and technology initiatives. The Board approved the GRNE solar panel project contract and the Annex expansion. Additionally, the Board conducted a first reading of various policy updates, approved disciplinary action for a student, accepted several staff resignations, and approved personnel appointments for coaching and administrative roles.

The board conducted a closed session to discuss personnel and litigation before resuming the open session. Key items included the acceptance of financial reports, budget analyses, and payroll documentation. Reports were presented by the Student Council, Principal, and Superintendent, covering upcoming school events, facility updates regarding an Annex addition and a solar project, and legislative impacts on education funding. Additionally, the board approved several policy adoptions, a student choir trip, the graduation date, and multiple staffing appointments.