West Central Reporter

Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting, of the Board of Education in Calhoun Community Unit School District #40, consisting of Calhoun and portions of Greene Counties, Illinois was called to order by Board President Luke Fraley, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 5:31 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.

Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Jackie Baalman, Luke Fraley, Amanda Gress, Hannah Nelson, Nate Sagez and Angie Tepen. Adam Gerson was absent.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas, Lori Young, Jean Heil, and Pam Friedel. Jeannette & Layla Johnson and Tyler Grimes arrived at 5:34 p.m.

A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the agenda inclusive of:

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call of Members

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approve Agenda

V. Recognition of Visitors, Guests & Public Comments

- To preserve sufficient time for the Board to conduct its business, it is our public policy that each individual may speak for a maximum of 5 minutes unless prior arrangements have been made to speak longer.

o Junior Class – Prom

o Brody White – Tennis Club/Team

VI. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – February 18, 2025

ii. Public Hearing – February 18, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

VII. Committee and Administrative Reports

a. Calhoun Elementary School

b. Calhoun High School

c. Athletic Director

d. District Services/Maintenance Report

e. Superintendent

VIII. Action Items Prior to Executive Session

a. Consider Approval of

i. Establish High School Track Activity Account

ii. Increase Substitute Teacher Pay

iii. Renewal of the IHSA Memberships

iv. Graduation and Promotion Dates

v. Refinish Gym Floor Summer 2025

IX. Executive Session – For the purpose of discussion regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employee(s); legal counsel, collective negotiating matters or deliberations; board vacancies; evidence or testimony presented in a hearing where authorized by law; purchase or lease of real property; sale or purchase of securities, investments or investment contracts; security procedures; student disciplinary cases or any matter involving an individual student; litigation; self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics; minutes of meetings lawfully closed; internal control weaknesses, potential fraud risk areas; establishment of reserves, settlement or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the District. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)

X. Action Items Following Executive Session

a. Consider Approving Personnel Recommendations

i. Post Positions

ii. Hiring

iii. Resignations

XI. Other Business

XII. Communication and Announcements

a. April 10 – ACT Testing for Juniors

b. April 12 – Prom

c. April 15 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

d. Correspondence

XIII. Adjourn

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the consent agenda:

XIV. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – February 18, 2025

ii. Public Hearing – February 18, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Reception of Visitors / Public Comment:

Tyler Grimes presented the plans for prom to the Board. Prom is on April 12 at Mt. Hope at 7:00 p.m. Walk ins will be at the fair ground stage at 4:30 p.m. The theme is Tangled: At Last We See the Light.

Principals Report:

Calhoun Elementary School Principal Jean Heil Report

February’s character trait was “Kindness.” Congrats to these Students of the Month: Claire J., Atticus G., Kinzi O., Jackson S., Marlowe H., Cooper G., Ellie S., Lee A., Lucy K., Kate A., Karson H., Kaylee D., Abbot E., Leigha W., Evie B.

Thank you to Hannah Nelson and several HS students for coming to be guest readers during “Read Across America Week” March 4 - 7. Students and teachers had a great week celebrating literacy, the love of reading and enthusiasm for school spirit!

I want to give a personal shout out to Pam Friedel, Assistant Principal, for her INCREDIBLE efforts in stepping up when I had to be out for a week after an emergency surgery. She is an asset to our CEJHS team and a talented and dedicated administrator. I SO appreciate her hard work and her passion for kids and families here at CEJHS. Thank you, Pam, for ALL you do!

IAR and ISA will be given to our 3rd - 8th graders during the weeks of March 31 and April 7. Summer School (for academic enrichment/support only) will be: 8:00am - 12:00pm June 2 - 5, 9-12, 16-18 (11 days) for K-5 students and June 2-5, 9-12, 16-18, 20, 23-26 (16 days) for 6-8 students. We are able to provide busing this year. Staffing for summer school has not been completed as of this report. We will be sending letters out to families of students who have been determined to need this extra support within the next two weeks. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Illinois Reading Council’s Annual Reading Conference in Springfield last week with several of our teachers. It was a valuable experience and a LOT of great things and ideas were gleaned that will enhance the learning environment at CEJHS, specifically how we target the development of our literacy programs and objectives in our building.

Calhoun High School Principal Christie Lorsbach Report

Congratulations to the February Student of the Month recipients: Senior, Caden Hayn; Junior, Tamara Osterman; Sophomore, Riley Lorsbach; and Freshman, Xaiver Fester. The students were chosen on the character trait of Kindness.

The students nominated for demonstrating the Warrior Way for the month of February were: Abner Hillen, Alex Pellieter, Tommy Roth, Kayden Johnes, Lane Eilerman, Conner Longnecker, Alaina Roth, Karleigh Mason, Kiera Sievers, Anna Ruebling, Gage Medling, Jordan Hillen, Tyler Grimes, Riley Lorsbach, Mr. Bayless, Caden Hayn, Aiden Edgar, Michael Robistch, Ashton Fester, Karen Baalman, Jolene Fanning, Annie Wilson, Gabby Hurley, Jenna Fraley, Layla Johnson, Tamara Osterman, Hannah Klaas, Laura Green, Eve Kassinger, and Valerie Heidenrich.

Great job to the Girls and Boys Basketball Teams on terrific seasons. Kate Zipprich was selected to the All-State Second Team, as well as, WIVC All-Conference Team. Audrey Gilman was All-State Special Mention and also WIVC All-Conference Team. Lance Eilerman and Conner Longnecker were selected to the WIVC All-Conference Team. Conner also set a new school record for single points scored in a season with 1,538. Congratulations to all the talented athletes.

The CHS Scholastic Bowl team went to the State Level in the Masonic Bowl on March 8th and concluded their season on with regionals on Monday, March 10th. Mia Krysl, Ethan Wickenhauser, and Abby McCasland were all selected to the WIVC All-Conference Team. Congratulations to the students and big thanks to our coach Mrs. Krysl.

Congratulations to Josie Hoagland on signing with Spoon River College on Friday, February 28. We look forward to seeing you play at the collegiate level.

Congratulations to Anna Oswald, Kate Zipprich, and Audrey Gilman as they have been selected for the Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Award. This year’s banquet will be held at Lewis and Clark Community College on April 10th.

The last ACT practice test is scheduled for March27, off campus at the Presbyterian Hall in Hardin. The ACT test will be given on Thursday, April 10 at the Presbyterian Hall in Hardin.

The mentor/mentee’s groups have met for the end of 3 rd quarter meetings. The area of focus has been on increasing parent communication and communication of expectations throughout the classroom. A visit to SWIC was held on March 4th. There were 9 students who attended. Thank you to Mr. Ringhausen for arranging the trip, as we have many students interested in investigating careers in the trades and required programing that SWIC offers.

A representative from the Lewis and Clark Community College Welding program visited the High School on March 7 to talk with Seniors and Juniors who were interested about the welding program and what it offers. The staff has discussed the Finals schedule and set that finals will be held on May 20 and 21. May 22 will be for any finals that have to be made up. May 22 is an attendance day for all students.

Spring MAP testing will be held the last week in April, we are still looking for a date that works in that week. This past week, I have started making connections with Seniors and Senior families that may be at-risk for not graduating due to failing grade and/or lack of credits.

March 8, a group of young ladies represented the Calhoun FFA at Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference. Thank you Allie, Hannah, Bella, and Carlee for your leadership, along with your willingness to learn and grown the FFA program.

The FFA also took the GOLD at the 2025 Section 13 Ag Olympics!!! Congratulations Mr. Ringhausen raised the most money during FFA week and was the winner of KISS the PIG! The gym floor still continues to be a concern with being slick for games, even after being wet mopped. We may need to discuss a course of action over the summer.

CEO Advisor, Jennifer Sellars, and the CEO class visited CHS on Thursday, March 13 to meet with the Junior class, explain what the CEO program is, how to get involved, and spark interest for the upcoming school year. Seniors will be departing on Saturday, 3/15 for their trip and returning on Wednesday 3/19 NHS will be departing for their trip to Chicago on 3/21 and returning on Monday 3/24.

Superintendents Report:

HB 1237 - Prohibit Native Name Mascot or logo use. Amends the School Code. Provides that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot; defines "native name, logo, or mascot". However, provides that a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the amendatory Act until September 1, 2028 if specified requirements are met.

Update on the 1998 storage tank removal. Alan Curtis from Fehr Graham working on closing out the Illinois EPA Leaking Incident from our buried gas tank. They will be coming out this summer to take a Core Drill Sample of soil around the area that the tank was located.

Winter sports coach evaluation have been completed by AD Cheri Burris.

Interviews have been held this month for the following positions: Dist. Nurse - 3 applicant’s interviews held March 4 & 13. Maintenance Technician - 8 applicants. Round #1 interviews held on March 11, 13, & 19. Elem. Secretary - 9 applicants. Interviews held on March 6. Elem. PE Teacher - 2 applicant’s interviews March 5. Two Elem. Teacher positions - 2 applicants + long term sub. Interviews March 5 & 7. Two Sped. Teachers - 2 long term sub applicants. HS Math Teacher - 1 applicant, interview on March 7. HS English Teacher - 1 applicant, interview on March 6. JH Science Teacher – 1 applicant, interviews March 7. Foreign Language Teacher - no applicants. Music/ Band Teacher - 1 applicant. International applications - 25 applicants. Remaining open positions that will be posted: Special Education Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Foreign Language Teacher, Music/Band Teacher and Cooks.

Charles Luebbert Hardwood Floors, Inc. from Jefferson City, Mo. will be refinishing the high school gym floor over the summer. The bid amount was $31,345. There will be several mock up ideas for approval prior to the project.

District Services/Maintenance Report:

With the weather finally getting nicer, Rod and I have been working on several outdoor projects this month. We had a roll-off dumpster delivered and did lots of cleaning around the grounds this month. The baseball and softball diamonds have been gone through and are ready for the season to begin. I was able to unhook and get rid of the light pole that broke off over the winter. Rod and I inspected the remaining poles around the softball field and found several of them are nearly rotted off underground. We need to come up with a plan to get the remaining poles removed ASAP. The remaining poles are posing a major safety hazard. Rod is also in the process of repairing all the outdoor lighting around the elementary school. We had a short in the wiring running to the light poles north of the school that we were able to find and repair. He has replaced several light ballasts and bulbs around the school. I have replacement parts ordered to also repair the lighting at the entrance of the elementary school. Eight of the eighteen lights in the front of the school are not working. GRP also has the high school gym units operating on the computer system now. All the units at the high school are now operating properly and efficiently. Lori and I met with Jason Luebbert of Charles Luebbert Hardwood Floors a couple weeks ago and received a quote for sanding, painting and resealing the gym floor at the high school. We have several boards curling on the floor due to the years of high humidity from no air conditioning. It is also recommended the floors be sanded level every 10 to 12 years. Our floor is around 15 years old and has never been sanded. Jason has several different options on his Facebook page for us to look at when deciding on how we want the floor to look. We are also getting ready to start changing AC filters and inspecting the AC systems on both schools. We will also be cleaning condensing coils in preparation of summer. Transportation has been very busy with all the field trips beginning for the end of the school year. With Baseball, Softball, and Track beginning there is lots of scheduling with limited drivers. We need to be considering purchasing a different maintenance vehicle/plow truck. Our old Ford made it through the winter but I don’t believe it will make another one. The frame is rusted to the point of not being safe to drive. We are still looking for bus drivers. If you know of anyone that would want to be a sub or drive some ball games send them my way.

Athletic Report:

The Jr High Boys basketball teams ended their seasons well. 7th Grade won their regional and then lost in the sectional championship.

The 8th Grade also won regionals and then lost in the sectional championship.

High school Girls basketball finished the season by losing in the sectional championship to Carrollton, who was the State Runner-up.

High School Boys basketball lost in the Regional Championship to M.E. Lutheran.

Calhoun Scholastic Bowl competed in Regionals on March 10. They won one of two matches. WIVC All-Conference: Scholastic Bowl-Abby McCasland, Mia Krysl, Ethan Wickenhauser. 1st Team Basketball- Audrey Gilman, Kate Zipprich, Lane Eilerman, Conner Longnecker. 2nd Team Basketball- Sadie Kiel.

Jr High Volleyball finished last week as well.

5⁄6 Grade Boys basketball will finish their season playing the AJ Classic on Thursday, March 13th. CHS Baseball and Softball start their season with home games v. Carlinville at 5pm. Before the game, we will be recognizing Jim Herkert for his years of service to our Calhoun Softball teams.

The Pike County Conference would like to have Calhoun rejoin. The cost is $300 yearly. We already play all of the teams in the conference so schedules would not change. The benefit would be that it would offer more recognition opportunities for our student-athletes and Band students...even club band students.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves to establish an activity fund account for the High School Track.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Hannah Nelson that the Board of Education approves an increase in Substitute Teacher rate of pay to $125/day and $135/day for long term subs.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the IHSA membership renewal for 2025-26.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves CHS Graduation date on Saturday, May 24 at 7:00 pm and 8th Grade Promotion date on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves to refinish the high school gym floor summer of 2025.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Executive Session:

A motion was made at 6:11 p.m. by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education enters into executive session.

The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Student disciplinary cases. 5ILCS120/2(c)(9).

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education return to Open Session at 8:26 p.m. to continue meeting and take any appropriate action.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the personnel recommendations as presented for the 2025-2026 school year.

Resignations: Janice Vetter, Cook (End of Year)

Certified Staff: Evan Hopper, Jr. High PE/Health Teacher

Whitney Lipe, Jr. High Science Teacher

Jennifer Melton, High School Math

Jessica Baalman, District Nurse

ESP: Mary Schmieder, Elem. Building Secretary

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves the use of busses for the Post Prom at Urban Air.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Informational Items:

April 10 – ACT Testing for Juniors

April 12 – Prom

April 15 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

Correspondence

With no further business to discuss, a motion made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 8:29 p.m.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes       Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes           Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent    Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

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