The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
On May 20, the La Harpe Community School District #347 Board of Education convened for a regular meeting in the district board room, with President Dustin Detherage presiding.
The meeting, called to order at 6:00 p.m., saw attendance from board members Dowell, Blythe, Burt, Gebhardt, Detherage, and Walker, with Deitrich absent.
Superintendent Janet Gladu, Board Secretary Liz McCarter, and Principal Ryan Hopper were also present, alongside visitors including Melissa Burt, Jonah Burt, and representatives from Architechnics, Kings Financial, and Entrust.
The board addressed several critical items on the consent agenda, unanimously approving the minutes from the April 15 regular meeting and April 21 and 24 special meetings, April financial reports, payment of bills, deletion of closed session recordings older than 18 months, FOIA requests, and a Serious Safety Hazardous Route designation for Timberview Drive and North 2nd Street.
Fortress Bank Signatories: The board approved adding Principal Ryan Hopper as a signatory for the Student Activity Account, ensuring he can sign checks for this account only. The motion passed 6-0.
Superintendent Gladu recommended requiring two “wet” signatures on all district accounts (Regular, Imprest, and Student Activity) to enhance financial security, a practice endorsed by auditors. This change was approved unanimously.
Two documents related to financing with Entrust were approved: an Estoppel and Consent to Assignments with Decorah Bank and Trust Company and SUT XII, LLC, and a 31-year Easement Agreement with SUT XII, LLC. Both motions passed 6-0, with plans to begin a related project the following week, targeting completion by late June.
Jacques Reynolds from Architechnics provided an update on the cafeteria project, presenting a contract approved by legal counsel. The board approved the AIA Document B101-2017 Standard Form of Agreement, with Reynolds aiming to return next month with a design report and cost estimates.
The motion passed 6-0.
The board authorized Superintendent Gladu to seek bids for the sale of Bus #8, a 71-passenger Freightliner with approximately 70,000 miles, with unanimous approval.
Science Curriculum (2025-2031): The board adopted Savvas Elevate Science for grades K-2 and McGraw Hill Science for grades 3-5, costing $21,683.23 over six years, with $10,000 covered by a grant and the remainder from General State Aid. The motion passed 6-0.
Social Studies Curriculum (2025-2031): McGraw Hill Impact Social Studies (K-2), McGraw Hill Middle School U.S. and World History (5-8), and Savvas myWorld Interactive (3-5) were selected, costing $31,718.70 over six years, with $18,000 from a grant and the rest from next year’s budget.
This motion also passed unanimously, concluding the current curriculum adoption cycle.
Superintendent Gladu highlighted the success of the recent Art Fair, which raised approximately $3,000 and saw strong community participation.
Every student had a piece sold or sponsored, and the PTO was thanked for their significant contributions.
No public comments were initially indicated, but visitor Jonah Burt spoke about his mother, Melissa Burt, questioning why she was not rehired and raising concerns about the handling of public comments at prior meetings.
He noted the success of a recent junior high band/music concert, where Melissa received a standing ovation, and asked about board policies on public comments.
President Detherage clarified that the board aims to protect employees under privacy laws and can move to closed session at their discretion.
Jonah also inquired about the hiring process for a new music position, to which Detherage responded that the hired individual’s credentials allow flexibility in role assignment.
Board member, Chad Burt echoed concerns about public comment policies, citing Illinois Association of School Boards guidance that public bodies cannot require comments about specific employees to be made in closed session.
Board members acknowledged responding to related communications and committed to reviewing policies, with Superintendent Gladu offering to provide printed policy binders, though board members preferred online access.
Ryan Hopper shared highlights from the well-attended JH Athletic/Academic Awards night, where medals and certificates were awarded.
The elementary awards program was also successful, and 60 students enrolled in the summer basketball camp. The PTO’s summer sendoff event was a hit despite weather-related changes, and upcoming events include field day and 8th-grade promotion.
Gladu announced the upcoming staff member of the year reveal and noted April’s staff member of the month, Wayne Humphrey. She also inquired about board members’ plans to attend the IASA Conference.
Tim from Kings Financial discussed bond repayment options (20-year vs. 25-year terms), with a public meeting planned before issuing bonds. The district will leverage two additional maintenance grants and Johnson funds to offset costs.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m. after a motion by Detherage, seconded by Gebhardt, reflecting a productive session focused on financial oversight, infrastructure improvements, and curriculum advancements for the La Harpe Community School District.
The May 20 board meeting minutes were approved at the June 24 meeting.
The next boat meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m.