Jasper School Board Reorganizes

Jasper school board members reorganized in the aftermath of the April 7 election.

Jon Fulton was chosen as president. Jed Earnest was elected vice-president on a 4-3 vote with Mandy Rieman, Gordon Millsap and Holly Farley voting No. Holly Farley was elected as secretary.

The Board scheduled a special meeting on April 27 for Board professional development.

Also, the Board met the Jasper district's Illinois State Scholars and Gina Fox and five fifth grade students were present to show their digital citizenship project. They'll take their presentation to the Capitol in Springfield on May 7.

The Jasper Board recognized the retirements of Marcea Maxon as bus chaperone and Ron Maxon as bus driver at the end of the school year; the retirement of Melisa Cleaver as lunchroom sponsor/crossing guard at Newton Elementary at the end of the year; and the three-year early retirement incentive for teachers Jeanette Hickox and Judy Goebel. Monica Heuerman and Christina Murray were approved as summer school teachers.

Board members heard that Wednesday, May 13 will be the final day of classes for seniors; high school graduation was announced for 7pm on Saturday, May 16; and discussion was held with Travis Wyatt and the Board regarding junior high athletic handbook revisions. Kathy Johnson and the teachers who piloted the McGraw-Hill K-5 Wonders reading series were present to inform the Board of their findings. The Board approved purchasing the series.

Discussion was held regarding the closing of the Board of Education and Administation Office and moving those offices to Newton Community High School in an effort to cut costs. The new Board's Building and Grounds Committee will review the proposal.

Jasper board members approved a $111,000 change order to renovate the four existing original facility restrooms at Newton Elementary; and agreed to hire seasonal workers and to post a technology, two custodial staff, and one transportation positions.

The Board was informed of the State Board of Education's criteria for distributing $97 million supplemental appropriation to school districts in financial distress. $11,000 will be taken from the Jasper district. The Board also approved next year's school calendar with the first day of school being Monday, August 24 with a teacher's institute.

Following a closed session, the Jasper school board approved a salary freeze for the district administration during the 2015-16 school year.