North Clay Board Updated on Construction Progress

North Clay school board members were updated at this week's meeting on construction progress at the school complex.

Superintendent Keith Price said that in the next couple of weeks, the new bathrooms in the new south stair tower at the high school should be open for student use. At that time, students will then be able to utilize the connecting corridor between the main high school building and the vocational building. A barrier will be put up to prevent student traffic from using the corridor leading to the new gym and the commons, as those areas are still under construction. Price said getting the corridor open will mean the students will no longer need to walk outside to get to their ag and industrial arts classes. 

Progress also continues on the new ag classroom and shop. Painting and drywall has been completed in the corridor and connection areas. Progress in the new gym include laying of the wood floor, installation of the scoreboard and video board, sound system and flag. The project is currently scheduled to be completed sometime during April.

In personnel matters, the North Clay board hired Erika Yates as an elementary teacher for the coming school year; accepted Rich Grubaugh's resignation as head junior high boys basketball coach; accepted Chris Mellody's intent to retire as of the end of the coming school year; accepted Julie Koelm's letter of resignation as high school head cross country coach; accepted Kim Travis' resignation as paraprofessional as of the end of the school year; approved unpaid days for Brandi Graham and Kendra Jones; and accepted Hanah Clark's resignation as high school assistant girls volleyball coach. Dustin Smith was approved as a high school volunteer coach; Levi Smith, Kim Robey, Jeremy Gaddy and Leah Goldstein were approved as high school track team volunteers; and administration was authorized to hire non-certified staff as needed.

The Board approved an amended calendar for the remainder of the school year. The new last day of the school year will be Thursday, May 29. An updated calendar is being posted on the district website. Also approved was high school graduation on Sunday, May 18 with baccalaureate at 2pm and graduation at 3pm. 8th grade promotion will be Monday, May 19 at 6:30pm. The plan is to use the new gym.

The Board recognized Illinois State Scholar and senior Riley Poe. The other state scholar from North Clay is Gavin Wyrich. There was also much shared about FFA activities in the district, and about audit work being ready for the March meeting.