The Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the Mt. Pulaski Grade School Library. All seven board members were present. The evening began with an executive session, followed by the annual budget hearing, and then the regular meeting.
Good News Spotlight
The board proudly recognized the Mt. Pulaski High School Shooting Sports Team for their outstanding accomplishments. The team achieved a historic “trifecta,” excelling in sporting clays, skeet, and trap competitions at the state level. Several student-athletes placed among the top individual competitors, and the team as a whole earned remarkable scores. Coaches and athletes were commended for their dedication and success.
Financial Updates
The board noted that sales tax revenue surpassed $40,000 for the first time, totaling $42,257.61 for the most recent report. These funds go into debt service and are used to pay down alternative revenue bonds that benefit the tax payers.
District Office Lease Approved
The board approved a five-year lease agreement for new district office space. After the initial term, the lease may continue on an annual basis. While some concerns were raised about the length of the contract, the board agreed it was an important step in securing office space for district operations.
Parent/Coach Communication Guidelines
The board approved new language developed with district leadership and legal counsel to strengthen expectations for communication between parents, guardians, and coaches. The goal is to foster respectful dialogue and maintain a positive environment for student-athletes.
Volunteer Screening Discussion
The board discussed implementing background checks for volunteers, especially at the grade school level, to ensure student safety during field trips and classroom activities.
Co-op with Zion for Boys Basketball
The board enthusiastically approved a new cooperative agreement with Zion Lutheran School for boys basketball. Zion already partners with Mt. Pulaski for track and softball, and board members from Zion expressed excitement about the opportunity, including potential use of their gym for practices and games.
Policy and Governance Updates
The board approved the Parent & Family Engagement Policy, a requirement for receiving federal Title funds.
PRESS Policy Update 119, which included a variety of five-year reviews and minor updates, was formally adopted.
Personnel Actions
Several new staff appointments were approved, including coaching, sponsor, and support positions for the 2025-26 school year. A separate vote approved Eric Cowan as a volunteer assistant coach for boys basketball at the high school.
Looking Ahead
The board tabled adoption of the 2025-2026 district budget until September due to a legal requirement for a second budget hearing. Superintendent Jason Spang’s goals for the year will be finalized once the district’s strategic plan is approved.
Adjournment
The meeting concluded at 8:16 p.m.