South Central Reporter

Mt. Olive Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met March 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education met in regular session on March 19, 2025, in the library. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President David Brunnwoth. Present at roll call were Brunnworth, Essington, Knes, Osmoe, Remer, Rimar, and Skertich. Also present were Superintendent Kelly, Principal Scheller, Principal Martin, Secretary Durbin, Jen Stockstill, Nikki Garrels, and John Hanafin.

Motion by Remer, seconded by Skertich to adopt the agenda and approve the minutes of the regular board meeting of February 19th, 2025. All ayes. Motion carried.

Recognition, comments, and correspondence from employees and public:

A. Board Norms: Follow chain of command, assume positive intent, and mutual respect.

B. Board Values: Integrity, mutual respect, and excellence.

C. Board Priorities: Culture, academic performance, facilities (with a focus on safety), and finances.

D. Board Member Recognition.

• Dr. Kelly and the board presented Jeff Osmoe and John Essington with a plaque for their years of service on the board. Both board members will be finishing out their terms this school year. Mr. Osmoe has served 8 years and Dr. Essington has served a 4 year term. Thank you for your dedication to the school district and community!

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Rimar to approve the bills and activity accounts as presented. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried

Financial Report for February 2025:

Mrs. Kelly reported the Education Fund is sitting at The Education fund is at $2,403,685.52. Building fund is at $843,507.03. Transportation fund is at $406,478.31. Working cash is at $236,826.35. Total operating funds are at $3,890.497.21.

Budget Report: Revenues vs. Expenditures for February 2025:

Education Fund: 76% vs. 59%

Building Fund: 97% vs. 29%

Bond & Interest: 269% & 74%

Transportation Fund: 67% vs. 71%

IMRF: 95% vs. 57%

Site & Construction: 40% & 17%

Working Cash: 94% & 0%

Tort Immunity: 97% vs. 95%

Life Safety: 105% & 69%

Motion by Osmoe, seconded by Knes to approve the financial report and the budget report for February 2025. All ayes. Motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

Motion by Essington, seconded by Skertich to approve the 2025-2026 School Calendar. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Osmoe, seconded by Rimar to approve the new High School courses for the 2025- 2026 school year. All ayes. Motion carried.

New Business:

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Knes to approve the Fuel Bid for 2025-2026 School Year, awarded to M & M Service Company. 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Osmoe, seconded by Essington to approve the IHSA Membership Renewal. 7 ayes. Motion carried.

The handbooks for Mt. Olive Elementary School and Mt. Olive High School were presented for first reading.

Principals’ Reports:

Mr. Martin reported the following:

• Spring is trying to break through and we desperately need it as our students are becoming restless at times.

• Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer, and Track are all in full swing. So far scheduling and traveling issues have been low and handled well by our AD, Mrs. Osmoe.

• Baseball had games with Lebanon today. Track visited Eastern Illinois for an indoor track meet recently.

• Track assistant interviews will take place later this week.

• We have 6 students who have earned the designation of Illinois State Scholars; those students are Ellie Borrowman, Sami Roeske, Carter Brunnworth, Kailyn Wall, Briley Viviano, and Sarah Lesko.

• We received notice from Lincoln Land Comm. College that our dual credit applications for Human Biology and Public Speaking have been accepted.

• Mrs. Monke has worked hard to get the Precision Machining Pathway Approved through ISBE. We were notified last week that we have successfully completed that process. Making us eligible for CTE monies that help us reduce./off-set the cost of those classes for our students.

• Mrs. Close, Mr. Schulte, and Mrs. Spudich all worked hard to put on the Fine Arts Festival. It was a very nice community event. The students performed a sneak peak for the upcoming spring play CLUE. I look forward to hosting this event again next year with the return of the band as well.

• Mrs. Monke and I held a Freshman Orientation Night. Overall, we had good attendance with the 8th grade students and parents. NHS Students - Alyssa Aubushon and Madi Rimar did a break out session with the students. Current freshmen Tori Schultz, Mattie Marburger, and Ellyana O’Neal spoke about their first year experiences.

• Two weeks ago, Student Council and Mr. Lesko held a blood drive in the HS gym. I was told that it was very well attended. Actually, one of the highest turnouts from the last few years. Thank you to all the students who volunteered and the community members who took the time to donate blood.

• I want to thank Mr. Hall, Mrs. Bertels, Mrs. Monke, and Mr. Simmons for sitting on the handbook committee. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Jada Foster, Lily Meyer, and Jenna Miller for being our student representatives on the committee this year. It was refreshing to walk through this process with them and to be able to see and hear particular items from their perspective. I believe they would say the same about their experiences as we worked through issues as a team.

• Overall, morale is up. We have conquered the long and dreary third quarter and are looking to finish the fourth quarter well.

Mrs. Scheller reported the following:

• Student Leadership in Skating Program

Fifth-grade students have stepped into leadership roles by partnering with younger students to assist them with skating. It has been wonderful to witness our older students take on this responsibility and serve as positive role models for their younger peers.

• Junior High Fun Fridays

Our junior high students have started a new initiative during their house period called Fun Friday. This allows students who are caught up on their schoolwork and maintain good behavior to have free choice time in the gym or outside. Those who need extra academic support use this time to work with teachers and get caught up on assignments. This program is fostering both accountability and motivation among students.

• Math Curriculum Selection

Kindergarten through fifth-grade PLCs have been diligently reviewing various math curricula. After narrowing down the options, we have selected iReady Math. Our next step is to meet with the iReady representative on our March 28th SIP Day. I am extremely proud of the dedication our teachers have shown throughout this process to ensure the best curriculum for our students.

• Handbook Updates

We have collaborated to implement minor changes to our handbook to better serve our students and staff. These adjustments aim to provide clarity and enhance our school policies.

• Student Assistance Program

Our Student Assistance Program has successfully completed its first cycle of problem solving meetings with teachers, followed by an MTSS meeting. Teacher feedback has been very positive, and the changes implemented have proven beneficial for our students.

• Track Season Update

The track season is in full swing, with 15 boys and 18 girls participating. We are seeking volunteers to assist at home track meets—any help would be greatly appreciated.

• Art Festival Success

The Art Festival took place on March 13th and was reported to have had a good turnout.

• 5Essentials Survey

The 5Essentials Survey is currently underway. The link has been shared on Facebook, and messages have been sent home encouraging parents to participate. We urge both parents in a household to complete the survey using different email addresses to ensure comprehensive feedback from our school community. The survey closes on March 28th.

• Congratulations

Congratulations to Molly Rimar, an 8th-grade student, on being chosen for recognition through the Illinois Principal’s Association. Molly excels in class daily and actively participates in STEAM Club, student council, basketball, volleyball, and softball. She warmly greets students in the morning, which fosters a positive school environment. I also want to thank Mr. Martin for attending the breakfast with the students this year.

• Report Cards and Fourth Quarter

The end of the 3rd quarter was Friday, March 14th. Report cards were sent home today, March 19, 2025. We are excited to enter the fourth quarter and finish the school year strong!

Superintendent’s Report:

Dr. Kelly reported the following:

Over the past year, significant efforts have been made to improve school culture, as well as teaching and learning. The hard work and dedication of the Mt. Olive CUSD #5 staff is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do! Additional updates include:

• The Class of 1975 will plant a Crimson Oak tree at the high school on Arbor Day, May 1st.

• Mt. Olive CUSD #5 has received a library grant in the amount of $850.00.

• Dr. Kelly provided an overview of a recent legislative update, highlighting federal uncertainties. Significant cuts to the U.S. Department of Education have raised concerns about the stability of federal education funding for states like Illinois. These cuts may affect various programs, including those related to transportation and special education. The HLS project is nearing completion. The project has progressed smoothly, and a final walk through is scheduled for early April. Special thanks were given to Jeff Grider, Maintenance Coordinator, for his outstanding work.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Rimar to enter into closed session at 7:52 p.m. for the following purposes as allowed under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.): Discussion of the appointment, employment and dismissal of employees of the public body and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. Discussion of pending and probable litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the Board of Education and the District. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Rimar to return to open session at 8:04 p.m. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Remer seconded by Osmoe to hire Cara Pence, as the High School Volleyball Head Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Skertich seconded by Knes to accept the resignation of Amanda Osmoe as the Junior High Volleyball Head Coach. Roll Call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Rimar seconded by Knes to accept the resignation of Jessie Bone as the Junior High Cheer Coach. Roll Call: 7 ayes. Mation Carried

Motion by Osmoe seconded by Remer to approve Shelby Bertels as an Unpaid Volunteer Junior high Assistant Track Coach for the 24-25 school year. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Remer seconded by Rimar to approve Shelby Curtis as an Unpaid Volunteer Junior high Assistant Track Coach for the 24-25 school year. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried

Motion by Rimar, seconded by Skertich to enter into closed session again at 8:10 p.m. for the following purposes as allowed under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.): Discussion of the appointment, employment and dismissal of employees of the public body and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. Discussion of pending and probable litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the Board of Education and the District. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Osmoe, seconded by Skertich to return to open session at 11:18 p.m. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Rimar seconded by Knes to approve the High School Principal, Josh Martin, contract for the 25-26 school year. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried

Motion by Knes seconded by Skertich to approve the Elementary Principal, Karrie Scheller, contract for the 25-26 school year. Roll call: 6 ayes 1 nay. Motion carried

The next regular board meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in the school library at 804 West Main St., Mt. Olive, IL.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Rimar to adjourn at 11:22 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qpzpxm8NlvVxwxc_BHgU9FQLfoExl92s/view