The Centralia City Grade School Board of Education appointed Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson at the meeting on Tuesday to fill the board vacancy left by Blake Griffin. Dodson will serve the remainder of the term following Griffin’s departure from the school board to fill a position on the Centralia City Council.
Superintendent Craig Clark was optimistic about what Dodson will contribute.
“One thing that excites me about Mr. Dodson coming back is his experience of leadership in the community, (as well as) his past experience on the school board,” Clark said. “I think that’s going to help us as a board and a district maneuver through these rough times. That experience is going play a huge role in supporting the board and making sure that we’re successful in these endeavors.”
Board member Derek Harlan was appointed to the position of vice president, which had also been vacated by Griffin.
In the curriculum report, the board discussed that students who are returning from being homeschooled last year have been assessed to ensure preparation for an appropriate grade level. Clark said that this was done due to the lack of specific homeschooling requirements in the state of Illinois. Students yet to be registered who were homeschooled last year will also be assessed before being enrolled in a grade level.
The board renewed a contract with Urban Learning and Leadership Center to continue support services for Centralia city schools, funded by federal money available through state designations and COVID relief. The board also approved several equipment purchases, including a new forklift, 66 new Chromebooks, and 55 wi-fi access points.
The board’s budget hearing will take place at the next meeting on Tuesday, September 14.
Resignations: Courtney Denton, Girls’ Seventh Grade Track Coach—Carolyn Grawe, Individual Professsional—Sherrie Seyferth, Bus Driver—Reuben Hill, Track Coach New Hires: Andrew Acobo, Special Education teacher at Central School—Alaina Pryor, Individual Paraprofessional—Dawn Diekember, Individual Paraprofessional—Stefanie Smith, Individual Paraprofessional—Shannon Atchison, bus driver—Lori Camp, Mental Health Support Person at Schiller School—Krystal Foley, Mental Health Support Person at Jordan School.
Retirement: Accepted intent to retire letter from Debbie Nottmeyer, last day September 30, 2021.
