Carthage Elementary School District 317 Board of Education met Feb. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board President Luke Burling.
Roll call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/present; Mrs. Fitch/present; Mrs. McGaughey/absent; Mr. Burling/present; Mrs. Housewright/present; Mr. Darbyshire/present.
The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
Additional Agenda Items: There were no additional agenda items.
Individuals wishing to address the Board: There were no individuals wishing to speak to the board.
Administrative Reports
Dr. Day presented his administrative report, which was included in the board packet. He provided updates regarding financing for the new buses for the upcoming school year, as well as an update on the Governor’s FY27 budget.
Mrs. Jacoby and Mrs. Bockenfeld submitted reports that were also included in the board packet.
Mrs. Bockenfeld did not have any additional comments beyond her submitted report.
Mrs. Jacoby informed the Board that the Primary School recently hosted a Mardi Gras–themed PreK Family Night. Students created their own masks to wear during the event, and the evening was a great success.
It was moved by Mrs. Fitch and seconded by Mrs. Housewright to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
Discussion Items:
Class Schedules:
Mrs. Jacoby noted that the only change to the Primary schedule will be the addition of a third section of first grade. This change will require the hiring of an additional teacher.
Mrs. Bockenfeld proposed a new middle school schedule that would place fifth grade students in their own wing of the building while still integrating them with the rest of the student body for certain classes. Implementing this schedule would require hiring three additional teachers at the middle school.
The proposal led to a lengthy discussion. Dr. Day advised the board that, from a financial standpoint, this would not be a wise decision for the district. He explained that hiring three new teachers at the middle school and one additional teacher at the primary school would cost an estimated $250,000 per year.
Dr. Day also noted concerns about transportation costs, stating that the transportation fund is expected to run negative due to rising bus prices. He further expressed concern that the education fund may also be in deficit and said he was uncertain whether he would be able to close the financial gap.
Following discussion, the majority of the Board authorized the administration to proceed with the hiring of four new teachers for the district. Dr. Day stated that he will provide the Board with the exact cost figures for the four new teaching positions on the morning of Thursday, February 19, 2026.
It was moved by Mrs. Housewright and seconded by Mr. Jackson to move to Executive Session at 10:35 pm. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mr. Jackson and seconded by Mr. Darbyshire to exit executive session at 12:15 am. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mrs. Fitch and seconded by Mrs. Housewright to approve Agriculture in the curriculum, along with FFA chapter for the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school year.. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mrs. Housewright and seconded by Mr. Jackson to approve Drake Neill for part-time cook. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mrs. Fitch and seconded by Mrs. Housewright to approve the 2026-2027 transportation handbook. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mrs. Fitch and seconded by Mr. Jackson to approve the short-term substitute training agreement with ROE 26 and ROE 33. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
It was moved by Mrs. Fitch and seconded by Mr. Jackson to adjourn the meeting at 12:18 am. Roll Call: Mr. Dickerson/absent; Mr. Jackson/yes; Mrs. Fitch/yes; Mrs. McGuaghey/absent; Mr. Burling/yes; Mrs. Housewright/yes; Mr. Darbyshire/yes. Motion carried 5-0.
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