Herrin Community School District 4

Key discussions during the meeting included the mid-year budget report presentation. New business items involved the approval of a new addition to the High School Handbook and the setting of the 2026 High School Graduation Date for Saturday, May 9, 2026. During the Executive Session, topics covered included a student disciplinary case review, personnel matters such as retirement intentions, maternity/paternity leave, resignations, new employment for various staff roles including cooks and a coach, and discussion of the Superintendent's Evaluation. Litigation updates were also provided.

The proceedings included a required public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy increase for 2025, where the estimated tax levy summary was presented and questions were addressed. Key actions included the adoption of the Certificate of Tax Levy, Fund Balance Report, Affirmation of Adoption of Resolution, Certificate of Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Act, and the Risk Care Management Resolution. An update on grant funding was provided by a visitor. The Consent Agenda covered approving open minutes from a prior meeting, payment of bills, accepting the Treasurer's Report, and decisions regarding the Unemployment Compensation Payment Method and Seniority/Job Category Definitions. The Board also adopted resolutions to authorize fund transfers and an interfund loan. Under Old Business, the Board approved several School Board policies in draft update form. New Business consisted of the approval of an agreement with the Survivor Empowerment Center. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss student disciplinary cases, approval of closed minutes from the previous meeting, personnel actions including maternity/paternity leave, resignations, and employment actions, and a discussion regarding litigation.

The meeting segment focused on recognizing numerous student and staff accomplishments for the month. Key discussion points included acknowledging students with perfect attendance and Terrific Tiger Award recipients at the PreK Center. North Side Primary achievements featured class attendance winners and students of the month for honesty. At Heron Elementary, significant perfect attendance numbers were reported, along with trophy winners for attendance and accelerated reading. Archery tournament results for elementary students were announced. Junior high highlights included the publication of a children's book by a resource teacher, participation of EYPC members in City Council meetings regarding vaping dangers, and the Heron Junior High girls basketball team capping off an undefeated 25-0 season with a state championship win. Other junior high athletic achievements covered the dance team's top-five finish at state finals and the volleyball team's annual Pink Out night supporting Miss Tammy. Reading milestones, including the expansion of the million words club, were celebrated. High school successes featured an archery team member ranking top 10 in the state, a senior bowler attending the state tournament for the fourth time, and the flag team winning the 2026 state championship, with the coach also named Coach of the Year. The high school chess team's first state tournament trip yielded a medal qualification. Finally, the drama club's upcoming performance of "Clue" and the high school basketball team's successful Pink Out fundraiser were mentioned.

The meeting included a segment for public address limited to five minutes per speaker. Key new business involved the presentation and subsequent approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which anticipated a potential amendment to include Election Day if relevant legislation passes. The Board also addressed the District Discipline Improvement Plan, developed in response to the district being categorized in the top 20% for exclusionary discipline suspensions by the state. Further items included the approval of the 8th Grade Celebration dates, approval of an agreement with Liberty University, and several personnel recommendations involving resignations, employment actions, and posting of vacancies. The meeting concluded with discussions and votes related to closing and subsequently reopening the session to approve closed session minutes and authorize the destruction of specific prior executive session records.

The key discussion topics included the approval of the consent agenda items presented for January 27th, 2026. Special reports covered student and faculty recognition. The mid-year budget report indicated that the Education (ED) fund was running at 50/50 as expected, the Operations and Maintenance (O and M) fund showed higher expenses due to early purchases, and the Transportation fund was slightly ahead of budget. New business involved the approval of an addition to the high school handbook, which included establishing a policy for breathalyzer testing involving random selection and suspicion-based testing, to be administered by trained administrators. The board also approved the 2026 high school graduation date for Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Discussions also covered personnel matters including retirements, maternity leave, resignations, new employment, and posting of vacancies. Finally, the superintendent evaluation was accepted, and the board moved to closed session to discuss student disciplinary cases, litigation, and employee matters before adjourning.