Teutopolis, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Teutopolis Board of Education held their regular meeting Monday.
- The Board approved the Treasurer’s Reports and the Payment of Bills as presented.
- The Board approved the Consent Agenda Items as follows: Approval of Minutes from December 16 Regular Meeting; Approval of THS FFA Field Trip beyond 200 miles; and Approval of the Amended Calendar 2024-25 following two snow days in January.
- The Board approved a Resolution of Support for Vision 2030. Development of the Vision 2030 blueprint was led by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) in collaboration with other educational entities throughout the state, and is rooted in a shared belief that students learn best, and educators teach most effectively, when they feel safe and connected to one another and to their communities.
Vision 2030 aims to:
- Provide a roadmap to enhance K-12 public education through future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding.
- Articulate a shared commitment to putting systems and processes in place that support all school districts throughout the state in sharing what works for our kids and our communities.
- Detail plans to advance policy, legislative and fiscal solutions, leverage public resources, and preserve local flexibility and leadership so that the important decisions about curriculum and finances are made closest to home.
The Board continued its discussion of facility needs to accommodate its growing population and the need to modernize facilities to improve the instructional experience for students. This discussion was a continuation from prior meetings and is directly related to its 2022 District Goals and facility planning work conducted in the summer of 2024. Drawings of potential improvement options were reviewed with the district architect, who presented possible scenarios for the Junior High School and Grade School. Conversations are expected to continue at the Board and internal administrative and staff levels in coming months. External listening sessions about possible facility improvements and possible funding are expected as options develop.
The Board also reviewed drawings and specifications for the reskin/reroof of the metal building that serves as the THS Cafeteria, originally constructed in 1972. Although outside of the cafeteria scope of work, improvements at the entrances of both THS and TJHS are also anticipated as a part of this possible summer 2025 project.
Advertisement and solicitation of bids for the Cafeteria and entrance work is expected later this spring.
Presentation of Reports included:
- Building Updates – Written reports were provided by Principals and Activities & Athletics Director
Superintendent Update –
- tentative end of year calendar was presented, including possible dates for HS Graduation and JH Promotion;
- The annual obligation for Illinois schools to complete the 5Essentials survey begins on February 28 and runs through March 31;
- Following the completion of the BOE Climate Survey, each building and department formulated a list of possible actionable steps that could be taken to improve student achievement and better accomplish Board/District goals;
- The April 2025 School Board Election Certification of Ballot provided by the county was reviewed and is posted on the district website;
- The Village’s Oak Street Reconstruction project and implications for the Grade School were reviewed;
- An upcoming IASB regional meeting in Newton on March 18 was announced;
- An After-School Program discussed in previous months has been announced and parents notified via emails regarding program information and registration details.
New Business for Board Discussion –
- The Board of Education reviewed Self-Assessment Results and discussed the various ways it can continue to best serve the District, Community, Students and Staff in 2025.
The Board approved the destruction of verbatim recordings older than 18 months and to keep closed executive session minutes.
The Board conducted its annual evaluation of the Superintendent.
The Board accepted the irrevocable resignations from Morgan Mette – THS Asst Track Coach, and Allie Deters – THS Head Girls Tennis Coach.
The Board assigned/approved the hire of the following for 2024-25 contingent upon their successful completion of background investigation, employment history review and verification/completion of necessary licensure for the position: Cory Wermert – Full-time Bus Driver; Coaches: Megan Moses – TJHS Volleyball Volunteer; Keith Dennis – THS Scholar Bowl Volunteer; Jake Meyer – THS Track Volunteer; Wittni Deters – THS Pomerettes Volunteer
The next scheduled Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6pm.
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