The board meeting began with the approvals of the following- Reorganization Meeting minutes, Board of Finance meeting minutes, regular board meeting minutes, Executive Board meeting minutes from the January 22, 2025, meeting, re-approval of the Executive Session held on December 16, 2024, claims, and payroll.
The board approved 4 staff to attend conferences, 2 field trips, 9 resignations, 1 retirement, 4 appointments, 1 termination, and 9 student fundraisers.
The board approved Poole Group Inc. to be the Construction Manager for the Transportation Project.
The board approved the non-renewal of Stewart Durham’s Administrator Contract. Superintendent Jarrod Burns stated that Stewart has been very understanding and has not taken any steps to contest this. Mr. Durham’s Administrator Contract will terminate effective August 1, 2025. The position will be re-opened, and Stewart is welcome to re-apply for the position.
The board approved the Student Services Coordinator Contract Addendum with a 5-0 vote with Elizabeth Lecher Hochstedler abstaining from the vote as the staff member that fulfills this position is her mother.
Mrs. Amy Cockburn, Principal of SD Jr.-Sr. High School presented Extra Effort Awards to Bill Taylor and Kay Smith. Mrs. Cockburn stated that Mr. Taylor is dedicated and continually goes above and beyond. He is a Science Teacher, coaches Girls Basketball which the team has advanced to the Semi-State this coming Saturday and helps with the Boys Basketball when needed. Mrs. Cockburn stated that Kay genuinely loves each and every student. Kay is a math teacher. Mrs. Cockburn said that Kay puts forth extra effort in all that she does and is joy to have around the school and is truly someone that she can lean on if needed. Mrs. Cockburn did say that she wishes Kay good luck as she was the retirement earlier in the meeting that the board approved effective May 23, 2025.
*Due to Mr. Jason Holland’s absence at the meeting this image is from the South Decatur Jr.-Sr. High School’s Teachers & Staff Page of their website.
Mrs. Nicole Stone Principal of SD Jr.-Sr. High School presented an Extra Effort Award to Jason Holland who is the School Psychologist. He was unable to attend the meeting due to a family situation. Mrs. Stone said that Jason goes above and beyond as does so much throughout the district but that he keeps up with everything and ensures that he supports everyone as needed. She states that Jason is always helpful and ready to help when the situation arises. Dr. Jarrod Burns stated that Jason is invaluable in all that he does and said that he can always count on Jason’s support or wisdom when the situation arises.
Nicole Stone provided an update for SD Elementary School. She stated that Boys Basketball has one week left. The High School students are continuing to come to the Elementary School to have lunch with students and sometimes spend time at recess 1-2 times per month. She said that they have completed 2/3 checkpoints for ILEARN checks. Pre-school enrollment begins next week. She said that she is very proud as 2 Archery students qualified for state.
Amy Cockburn provided an update for SD Jr.-Sr. High School. She stated that they will be having their Pep Rally at 2:15p on Friday 2/21/25 where they will be recognizing not only the Girls Basketball Team but also the musicians who are going to state competitions this weekend. She said that following the Pep Rally the FFA Olympics will occur. Amy highlighted this week being FFA week. Amy stated that they are working on checkpoint 2 of the ILEARN checks and are continuously looking at ways to improve. Play practice is in full swing for the performance Deadline.
The next board meeting will be held on Wednesday March 12, 2025, at Central Office at 6:00pm.
