Scott Martin

The meeting included public comment concerning issues of transparency, alleged retaliation, and the handling of child abuse allegations related to COVID-19 mask mandates, alongside requests for documents. Administrative reports covered an upcoming Early Childhood Education (ECE) fair and the hiring of a new Spanish teacher. Leadership discussed developing goals based on 'five essentials' data to improve student growth. A proposal was presented for a revised ECE schedule, suggesting four-day mornings and five-day afternoons to accommodate different student needs, including screenings and IEP services, with registration opening soon. Key actions included the approval of an amended interim superintendent contract for Dr. Joseph Bailey, necessary amendments related to contract work, and the approval of the consent agenda items, which covered various previous minutes and financial reports. Furthermore, the board reached a consensus on a negotiated agreement with the Prairie Grove Teachers Association for the 2026-2027 school year, heavily focused on teacher salaries to improve retention and attraction. Resolutions were passed to transfer funds from the education fund and operations and maintenance fund to the debt service fund to cover loan payments related to past construction, and to direct the superintendent regarding the tentative budget. Finally, the board approved moving forward with repairs to a damaged masonry wall on the elementary school side of the gym.

The primary discussion and approval centered on the parking lot project and related bid recommendations, contingent upon completing legal steps to access excess revenue from the Fund 90 fire and life safety fund. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included regular and executive session minutes from January 20th, 2026, bills payable, the treasurer's report, and the personnel action report. Additionally, the board approved student fees and facility rental rates for the 2026-2027 school year, noting required adjustments to lunch fees and confirming registration fees would remain waived for the third year. A special board meeting was scheduled for February 28th, 2026, for the purpose of self-evaluation, and the subsequent regular board meeting scheduled for March 17th, 2026, was moved to March 10th, 2026, due to the election.

During this emergency board meeting, the primary actions taken included the acceptance of the Superintendent's resignation, effective January 9, 2026. Following a brief recess and reconvening, the Board proceeded to approve an Interim Superintendent Contract for Bhavna Sharma-Lewis and Joe Bailey.

The meeting commenced with a Truth and Taxation Hearing for the school tax levy for taxes collected in 2025. A member of the public addressed the board, expressing concern regarding the standard space grading for eighth graders and requesting the re-implementation of letter grades for that grade level. The board then proceeded with several official actions, including adopting the certificate of tax levy for 2025, approving the second reading and adoption of board policy PRESS 120 changes, and approving the 2026-2027 school calendar, which incorporated community survey feedback. The board also reapproved a Mckendry County mutual aid agreement due to an updated version being issued. A motion to approve an agreement with Sod Technologies was tabled to allow for the review of alternative sources for restroom monitoring devices due to false positives. Finally, the board made a motion to appoint a new member to fill a vacancy and appointed a recording secretary effective January 1st, 2026. A resolution abating taxes levied for debt service on general obligation school bonds was approved.

The meeting included discussions on the Illinois school report card, student achievement levels, and financial information. Key topics included teacher salaries, property tax rates, student demographics, and enrollment trends. The board also discussed the five essential survey, algebra one performance, and chronic absenteeism. There was also a discussion about the 26 school calendars and a vacancy on the board.