Teutopolis Unit 50 Board Of Education Meeting Held Monday

Teutopolis, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Teutopolis Board of Education held their regular meeting on Monday, November 18th at 6pm in the Unit Office.

Matters discussed and approved at the meeting include:

1. The Board welcomed 6th Grade Student Council members, celebrating the creation of this new program at Teutopolis Grade School. Members of the Student Council shared some of their efforts in initiating fun activities like the staff pumpkin decorating contest and a recent fundraiser with proceeds going to support a hurricane impacted school in North Carolina. Several staff members have joined Principal Hoehn in helping these students learn more about leadership and service.
2. The Board approved the Treasurer’s Reports and the Payment of Bills as presented.
3. The Board approved the Consent Agenda Items as follows: Approval of Minutes from October 21 Regular Meeting; Acceptance of the Annual Statement of Affairs Publication; Approval of a Pest Control Abatement Contract for 2024-25; Approval of First Reading of Board Policy Update 117; Approval of THS Overnight Field Trip to Edwardsville and Approval of THS Senior Class Field Trip to Indianapolis.
4. The Board approved the Tentative Tax Levy as presented and set a Truth in Taxation Hearing for 6pm on December 16th.
5. The Board approved the purchase of Replacement Server Equipment for Teutopolis Grade School.
6. The Board discussed facility maintenance needs and potential financing options to accommodate its growing population and need to modernize facilities. This discussion was a continuation from the September and October Board meetings and directly related to its 2022 District Goals. Conversations about short-term and long-term facility needs will continue in coming months and will include internal and external listening sessions as options develop.
7. The Board authorized the Superintendent to execute necessary contracts for bleacher replacement for the THS Baseball Diamond.
8. The Board reviewed School Climate Survey data and discussed possible actionable items for continued growth and improvement.
9. Presentation of Reports included:
   -Building Updates – Principals and Activities & Athletics Director
   -Superintendent Update – An After-School Program is again being considered through a possible third party partner – more information is anticipated in the coming months as the entity is currently seeking interested individuals for hire; ISBE School Report Card data was reviewed and celebrated; American Education Week is scheduled for November 18-22; The Superintendent is assisting the Village Comprehensive Plan Committee; April 1, 2025 School Board Election information continues to be available on the website.
10. New Business for Board Discussion – None
11. The Board accepted the irrevocable resignation of Kendra Bierman – THS School Counselor as of December 31st.
12. 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: Kelly Wells and Samantha Will as TJHS Scholar Bowl Co-Sponsors, and Caleb Siemer – Part-Time F/S Boys Basketball Coach for 2024-25 Only based on increased numbers.

The next scheduled Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6pm. The January meeting originally scheduled for January 13 has been moved to January 20.