FFA plant sale has started at TCHS
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The Tuscola Community Unit School District #301 Board of Education approved a series of personnel changes, contract renewals, and policy updates at its regular meeting Monday at Tuscola High School.
The Board accepted multiple staff resignations, including Angie Gough as Tuscola Community High School Boys’ Golf Coach, Daniel Nelson as TCHS Girls’ Golf Coach, Megan Price as a North Ward Elementary teacher, and Anna Jones, a third grade teacher.
Lyle Pettyjohn’s retirement, effective May 25, was also approved. On the hiring side, the Board approved summer workers and the move of Logan Stenger to a special education teaching position for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Board approved an extension of the Gould Bus Service contract and the Aramark food service contract, both for the 2026-2027 school year. The bus contract is up 6 percent plus $25,000 due partly to an increase in the company’s umbrella insurance coverage, Superintendent Gary Alexander said. The cost is going from $775,000 to $846,500. The Aramark contract is up 4.1 percent, which Alexander said is contractually standard.
Members also voted to approve district membership in the Illinois Elementary School Association at a cost of $1,415.
In policy matters, the Board conducted a first reading of Press Policy 121 and reviewed proposed handbook updates.
The consent agenda, which included minutes from the March 23 regular meeting and approval of bills totaling $1,251,489.05, passed without separate action.
The Board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters and student discipline matters under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Prior to the business portion of the meeting, the Board heard FFA updates from student president Trey Waldrop and vice-president Abbie Meyer. The FFA’s annual plant sale has begun.
In other business, the Board plans to host a teacher appreciation lunch 11 a.m.–1 p.m. May 14, at East Prairie.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED
The Board accepted donations from several community members and organizations. Anonymous donors contributed $200 to the Drama Club and $300 to Help A Child. Hometown Grounds donated $300 to Help A Child, and Terry and Bradley Hornaday gave $100 to FCA. Roberta and Michael Brennan contributed $200 to Industrial Arts in memory of Doug McCroy and David Kennedy, as well as an additional $100 to Industrial Arts and $100 to the Band in memory of Susan Hall. Douglas County Retired Teachers donated $100 to Scholastic Bowl, and Carol Hausmann contributed $50 to FFA.
ADMIN REPORTS
Superintendent Gary Alexander reported monthly operating expenses of $486,982.74 with $764,506.31 obligated for payroll, bringing total bills to $1,251,489.05. The district’s FY26 replacement tax was estimated at $2,415,612; with one payment remaining, the district has received $1,833,501.19 and needs a final payment of $582,110.81 to meet projections. Sales tax income increased $86,951.99 year-over-year, from $755,464.18 to $842,416.17. Alexander noted he has not yet submitted an official retirement letter but indicated one is forthcoming, referencing a related article in the March/April Illinois School Board Journal. Board members were reminded to file economic statements by May 1 and that the next Board meeting is Tuesday, May 26. The 2026 Joint Annual Conference is scheduled for Nov. 20-22, with registration opening June 1.
High School Principal Justin Bozarth reported that TCHS senior Kamden Flenner set new school records in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash. Approximately 40 students received free haircuts at a school-organized Haircutting Event on April 23. Lilly Kurtz was named the April Rotary Student of the Month. Juniors completed ACT testing on April 22, with results expected in coming weeks. Upcoming events include Prom on May 2 at the Holiday Inn in Champaign, Honors Day on May 8, semester exams May 19-21, and Graduation on Saturday, May 23. Board members are invited to assist with diploma distribution at graduation.
East Prairie Middle School Principal Jared Vanausdoll reported the school reached its attendance incentive for the second time this semester, with a 94.7% attendance rate — up from 94% last year and 92.9% the year prior. The Scholastic Bowl will compete in Regionals on April 30 in Mattoon. The 8th Grade Promotion ceremony is set for May 21 at 7 p.m. at the high school, with Board members invited to attend. Harper Peters and Sofie Reifsteck received Best of Day honors for vocals at the Solo and Ensemble competition on March 28. March Students of the Month were Jace Siep (5th), Harper Peters (6th), Dallis Wages (7th), and Brayden Deleva (8th). Ava Brown and Avery Huffman will be recognized at the Illinois Principal Association Student Recognition Breakfast on April 28.
North Ward Elementary School Principal Jorden Lauwers reported that 3rd graders traveled to Krannert Center in Champaign on April 8, and kindergartners visited The Little Theater in Sullivan to see “Finding Nemo” on April 14. Second graders visited the Champaign Planetarium and Elevate, while 4th graders made a field trip to Brookfield Zoo. Preschool and kindergarten screenings were held April 15-17 at the Methodist Church. The IPA Breakfast is April 28 in Champaign, with recipients Evelyn Wilke and Jacob Medina representing North Ward. First grade will host an Animal Habit Open House on May 5 and 6.