Approve new science curriculum
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By David Porter
ARCOLA — The Arcola School Board opened its meeting last Wednesday with a public hearing on the 2025-2026 amended budget before moving into regular business. Retiring Superintendent Dr. Tom Mulligan, in his last regular meeting, said the budget amendment was due largely to elementary curricula being purchased sooner than anticipated.
He said IMRF (retirement funds) are up slightly but that he thinks the budget “will end up fairly decent.”
The Board approved the annual renewal of the Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Trust (WCSIT) at a cost of $39,505, up from $37,181 the prior year. The Board also approved the renewal of Illinois High School Catastrophic Injury Insurance for senior high school athletes, a policy that has not changed in price for many years.
The Board additionally approved a quote from the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for property and liability insurance for 2026-2027 in the amount of $88,585.
On second reading, the Board approved handbook changes for the 2026-2027 school year and also approved the second reading of school Board policies from the March 2026 PRESS Packet. Included in that packet was policy 7:40, addressing nonpublic school students, including parochial and home-schooled students, and their eligibility for part-time attendance and extracurricular activities. That issue was voted on separately and approved 6–1.
The Board approved the purchase of 10 ViewSonic interactive display boards in the amount of $24,641.47. Mulligan noted that several new staff members had requested the boards and additional teachers expressed interest for the upcoming school year. He said it should be several years before additional boards are needed.
Upon questioning, he added that the cost was “about the same” as boards previously purchased. Nearly every classroom now has one, he said.
The Board approved a quote for 7th and 8th grade science curriculum, materials and training through the Amplify Science program at an estimated cost of $21,000 for a two-year period. The curriculum features hands-on lab activities emphasizing decision-making, drawing inferences and writing — skills also assessed on the ACT science portion.
Jr./Sr. High School Principal Nick Lindsey said the curriculum comes “with a multitude of experiments and requires more writing, which he said fits with the district’s goals.
Mulligan noted that supplies are part of the value of art and science curricula and that the district hadn’t had a new science curriculum in more than a decade.
The Board approved the amended budget for 2025-2026 as presented. The Board also approved an interfund transfer from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund for technology-related expenses, and a separate interfund transfer from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund for transportation expenses.
Breakfast and lunch prices for 2026-2027 will increase by 10 cents. The Board voted to continue eliminating all student fees for the upcoming school year, with the exception of the technology insurance fee, driver’s education fee and dual credit fees.
The Board also approved a 60-month copier lease agreement with Watts Copier for four copiers, and approved Arcola First Mid Bank & Trust as bank depository for 2026-2027.
Industrial Services of Illinois received approval to recoat the east side standing seam dome roofs at the high school at a cost of $8,753. The recoating work, which had not been performed in at least seven years, will include cleaning, applying silicone coating over rusted areas and finishing the entire surface. The Board also approved replacing another section of the football field fence, which is part of the district’s five-year capital improvement plan, with a budgeted amount of $25,000.
The Board approved a revised job description for the district-wide assistant principal position. Following a closed session, the Board approved hiring Tiffany Cummins as a speech pathologist.
The Board approved the amended 2025-2026 school calendar, which incorporates emergency days used during the year. The Board also approved the FY27 District Consolidated Plan allowing the district to apply for federal grant funds, and approved transportation services with Gould Transportation for 2026-2027. The Board approved activity fund accounts for the Class of 2030 and ACE Athletes, and closed the activity fund account for the Class of 2026. The Board also approved the district’s benchmark and progress monitoring assessment shifting to Renaissance STAR at an annual cost of $8,415.64.
Administrative reports
Elementary Principal Marissa Brewer reported that CKLA training has been a major focus, and end-of-year activities are underway including field trips and class picnics. Approximately 120 letters were sent home regarding the Summer Jump Start program, with 16 students signed up so far. Brewer also highlighted a strong attendance year at the elementary level, with one student finishing the year with no absences and 199 students maintaining above a 95 percent attendance rate. Custodial staff and teachers have been rearranging classrooms into grade-level order for the new school year. All grade levels have met with the instructional coach to map out key standards for the coming year.
Jr./Sr. High School Principal Nick Lindsey noted that graduation season concluded smoothly, crediting class sponsors, teachers and staff. He reported a 2025 graduate, Shelby Roberts-McGeehon, recently illustrated a children’s book and donated copies to the school library. Educator Dan Butler received the Distinguished Educator Award from the ROE. The school is requesting the Amplify Science curriculum for grades 6-8, and two retirees were recognized. The district also addressed two students who did not meet graduation requirements, with one currently enrolled in summer school.
Lindsey also noted that it was difficult losing a student at the school recently and Mulligan said social workers would be available throughout the summer to help other students cope with the loss.
Mulligan provided updates on several agenda items and noted that the City of Arcola has shifted its approach on housing development along Route 133. The city still intends to move forward with development using remaining TIF (tax increment financing) funds for land purchase and infrastructure, but is now pursuing a new, tightly controlled TIF structure rather than a direct housing abatement arrangement. The Board may be approached about a joint meeting to discuss the process.