Mt. Pulaski CUSD #23
March 18 Board of Education Meeting Summary
Meeting Overview
The Board of Education convened on March 18, 2026, with six members present and one absent. The meeting began with an executive session focused on personnel matters and transitioned into the regular session at 7:00 PM. All formal actions taken during the meeting passed unanimously.
Highlights & Celebrations
The meeting opened with several recognitions celebrating student and staff excellence:
Hilltopper Medallion Award: Presented to Ralph Allen, recognizing his lasting impact as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
MPHS Girls Basketball Team: Honored for an outstanding season and state runner-up finish.
Senior of the Month: Luke Martin, recognized for academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.
Student Athlete of the Month: Preston Cowan, honored for leadership, work ethic, and sportsmanship.
Public Participation
A student proposed implementing random daily locker checks to enhance school safety.
Another student advocated for a P.E. exemption option for multi-sport athletes to allow for additional academic coursework.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included:
Payment of bills
Sales tax revenue report ($49,435.97)
Approval of prior meeting minutes
IHSA membership renewal for 2026–2027
Administrative Reports
High School: Student trip to Washington, D.C.; upcoming workforce workshop; ACT/PACT testing scheduled.
Grade School: IAR testing underway; progress on staff recruitment; upcoming screenings and student activities.
Curriculum: Ongoing curriculum planning and upcoming Amplify training.
Activities: Winter sports recap; proposal to increase officials’ pay; continued athletic partnerships and facility improvements.
Unfinished Business
Facilities Planning: Continued discussion on a potential $15–$20 million construction project, including delivery methods (CMAR vs. design-bid) and financial planning supported by wind farm revenue.
Policy Update: PRESS Policy 7:40 was approved and adopted (minor revision removing a footnote).
Cooperative Agreement: Approved expanded athletic co-op with Zion Lutheran, strengthening program offerings and shared facility use.
New Business & Key Discussions
School Resource Officer (SRO): Discussion of a new 4-year agreement; vote expected next month.
Student Handbook Updates (MPHS & MPGS):
Allowed: e-readers, non-clear spill-proof water bottles, pajama pants
Considerations: semester exam exemptions for juniors, revised honor roll criteria, and attendance impacts on grades
Not approved: P.E. exemption for student-athletes
Athletic Code of Conduct: Ongoing discussion about redefining the “nexus” of conduct expectations (on-campus vs. 24/7 accountability).
Facilities Needs: Repairs are needed to the soffit and fascia at MPHS.
2026–2027 School Calendar: Approved, with attention to semester balance and alignment with LTEC.
Personnel Actions
The Board approved several personnel items, including:
Staff resignations and terminations
Hiring of a new paraprofessional/art teacher (Gracie Becker)
Multiple tenure and accelerated tenure approvals
Approval of a volunteer assistant coach
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM.