The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe school board meeting was held in the district library on May 16, 2017 Brian Brown, Lacey Covert, Bobi James, Ryan Johnson, and Cindy Wear were present. The board approved the consent agenda, payment of the bills, 2016-17 final calendar, and membership renewal for the Illinois Association of School Boards.
The board approved the following for summer custodial work: Donna Grisham, Josie Finch, Laura Kneiss, Donna Nell, Sharon Spangler, and Jodelle Eddington. The board also approved Kelly Lafferty as part-time Central Office help for the summer.
Superintendent Olson reported that the State's overdue payments to La Harpe District now total $147,316.36. Dr. Olson attended an administrator academy in Springfield about communicating with legislators, the "Grand Bargain", and the Evidence-Based Model bills that are currently being debated.
State Superintendent Tony Smith spoke to superintendents at their regional meeting in Macomb, sharing that "lack of political will" is impacting the State and if no budget is agreed upon until 2019, it will devastate schools far more than they are currently affected.
Dr. Olson gave the board a copy of the Athletic Coop Agreement with Dallas City to re-approve later this summer. He also included the most recent legislative report for the board's information.
Principal McKeown mentioned State Track Meet in which 12 students participated. Academic testing is completed as well as final fire drill; and end-of-year SLO (Student Learning Objective) testing is nearly finished.
The staff were appreciated at a festive breakfast during Teacher Appreciation Week. Administrative Professionals Day and Paraprofessional Day were also recognized. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring staff!
$1600 in activity account funds were raised, thanks to all who donated and bought items! Illini West's "Bells are Ringing" play cast gave a brief performance; and the last School-Wide Morning Meeting was led by Mrs. Johnson and the kindergarteners. Elementary classes saying the Pledge of Allegiance were recorded and aired on 101.7 "The Bull" and spring field trips were enjoyed by each class.
An urban forestry student from WIU planted a native "Fringe Tree" with the 3rd grade class with some donations from community members. Mrs. Mencel and the students did a fantastic job on the spring concerts!
The last week of school includes the 8th grade St. Louis trip, the Kindergarten Track Meet, positive behavior celebrations, and the 8th grade promotion ceremony.
La Harpe School Board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the school library.
Agendas and approved minutes are posted on the website at laharpeeagles.org.