Unit 40 Discusses Security Measures

Effingham Unit 40 school board members Monday discussed some security measures in district buildings.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Fox said some agencies have been touring the buildings to see what could make things safer. Fox said improvements could include adding security doors at the entrance to the Early Learning Center to create a "safe vestibule". He said the area would get visitors out of the elements, but would also limit visitors' access to the building.

Work at South Side School could include a sliding window at the secretary's area to limit access, similar to what's in place at Central Grade School. 

Projects at Central could involve additional panic buttons and more cameras in the preschool area and the mentoring program area.

The high school projects could include a window in the entrance to the high school secretary's office rather than an open area as is now the case.

More panic buttons and cameras could be added at a number of buildings.

Funding the work is a consideration. Fox said he's been talking with St. Sen. Dale Righter about whether Unit 40 and other districts could use health and life safety funds on hand for such security measures. Using available funds has driven the discussion.

Fox said he hopes to establish the cost for such projects for consideration at the Board's May meeting.

Also Monday, the Unit 40 board increased breakfast and lunch prices by 10 cents for the coming school year, but keeping other fees at the same price as this year. The Board hired Glass and Shuffett to do audit work, renewed catastrophic injury insurance coverage, and heard from Curriculum Director Chelle Beck about possible changes in the district's grading scale.

About 25 Unit 40 teachers were in attendance as the next bargaining session in contract talks with the District is scheduled in early May. The vice-president of the Effingham Classroom Teachers Association, Joanne Kassel, read a statement to the Board. Also present was Eastern Illinois University Provost Jay Gatrell to discuss the university's new GPA-driven scholarship program and to review changes planned in the various colleges at the university to benefit university students.

The Board also took time to honor the Effingham Junior High School volleyball team for their trip to the state tournament.

District enrollment was reported at 2,482, which is down 34 students from the same month a year ago.

In personnel moves, the Unit 40 board employed Mary Jo Bushur as a special education teacher for next year, Josaphine Westendorf as a paraprofessional, Kim Knierim as an extended school year bus driver and Denise Willenborg as an extended school year bus aide, and Aaron Adams as a junior high Social Studies teacher and as an assistant football coach and junior high boys track coach for next year.

Seasonal staff was also employed: Deb Blankenship, Katrina Eirhart, Teresa Fuesting, Jacob Hammer, Joshua Kinder, Sue Kinkelaar, Darlene Krietemeyer, Peggy Manley, Weston Peno, Parker Seachrist, Brandy Simmons, Logan Smith, Diane Tieffel and Wiley Wines.

Transfers were approved: Leah Colclasure as a 7-1/2 hour cook at Central, Christin Hartke as a junior high Math teacher for next year, and Jim McElroy as a four-hour bus driver for next year.

Resignations were accepted from Kelsey Baker as a teacher at year's end, Jamie Waldhoff as high school library clerk as of year's end, Lindsay Westendorf as high school fall play director, and Tyler Semple as freshman boys basketball coach.

Leaves were approved for Rick Schmidt, Bill Overbeck, Leslie Stuckey, Jaclyn Golding and Angie Dust. Lisa Sigg was appointed a volunteer high school assistant basketball cheer coach.