South Central School District will remain mask recommended for all students to follow the temporary restraining order issued by a Sangamon County Judge against the district and 140 others around the state after she found the Governor had overstepped his bounds in keeping the mask mandate in place.
Superintendent Kerry Herdes says the district is doing well right now, with no positive COVID-19 cases among students or teachers. He is expecting some type of decision by the Appellate Court on the Governor’s appeal yet this week.
Herdes also reported he is working on the federal ESSER III grant that will give the district around $2-million for facility improvements. He says don’t expect to see any work with the money this summer as they are targeting the summer of 2023.
“We have time to spend the money. Some people have forged ahead and are building things already. I want to investigate our 10-year Health, Life, Safety up to code first, establish a relationship and then go slowly through this to make sure we get the most bang for our buck on what we can build and accurate prices.”
Herdes says the deadline for the initial plan to be filed is June 30th of this year with a deadline to complete work under the grant money set for October 21st, 2024. He’s also hoping prices for building projects will come down by next year.
Herdes announced eighth grade and high school graduation has been set for Friday, May 13th. No decision has yet been made if it will be held inside or outside. The last day of school will be Friday, May 20th unless additional snow days are used.
The board agreed to renew its contract with Bushue Human Resources.
In personnel action, the board accepted a retirement letter from Theresa Linder and a resignation letter from Abigail Taylor both at the end of the school year. Colleen Misselbrook was reclassified as the head cook at the high school for the next school year. The board approved a leave of absence for Brittany Garrett and a medical leave for Nancy Ritter.
