DU QUOIN -- A number of parents addressed the Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 Board of Education last week regarding a proposed change in the Middle School Promotion Ceremony for the next school year.
Prior to comments, the Middle School Principal -- Aaron Hill -- as a means to address the issue stated there would indeed be a ceremony at the end of the school year at the middle school with the event taking place in the evening in order for parents and others to attend.
Parents also asked questions regarding the high school dress code change for the next school year. Outgoing high school principal Matt Hickam, who officially takes over as district superintendent July 1, stated the change in the dress code pertained to holes in clothing above the knee with shorts and/or pants, including addressing the length of shorts worn by students.
Superintendent Gary Kelly shared information regarding the summer school program that will begin June 6 and continue through July 3. The program for grades K through 8 will include additional instruction in the areas of Reading and Math and will include enrichment activities. The high school program will include courses in Science and Social Studies with credit recovery opportunities available in Physical Education and Algebra I.
The programs will provide transportation for students and will operate in conjunction with the Summer Food Service Program.
District Business Manager Cory Robbins shared the summer maintenance work list, which includes routine maintenance of each school facility. As part of the district's new vendor agreement with Pepsi Mid America, new exterior signage will be installed at the high school and middle school sites during the summer months. Robbins also shared information regarding the HVAC upgrades that will be occurring this summer at the K-8 School.
The board entered into executive session at 7:37 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees. The board returned to regular session at 8:13 p.m. Following is a list of new hires:
• Zach Smith as a middle school band teacher for the 2019-2020 school year
• Amy Lee and Ashley Leeper as K-8 school cooks for the 2019-2020 school year
• Teachers, aides, and clerical staff for the summer school program
• Donna Lively as Summer Food Service Program supervisor and Danielle Swayne, Robert Manser, Missy Higgins, and Brenda Ridgeway as cooks
• Ali Miller as high school Pep Club co-sponsor, Anita Gross as high school FBLA sponsor, Rebekah Dunavan as high school Yearbook sponsor, Latasha Baxter and Jaime Brown as high school Freshman Class co-sponsors Bri Green and Kirsten Kremer as high school Indianette co-sponsors, and Keith Ellis as high school assistant football coach
Following a review by Kelly, the board adopted the 2018-19 school year amended district budget as presented.
DEA representative Pam Pursell, on behalf of the DEA, thanked the board and administration for the food items that were provided during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.
