NL school board tackles a big agenda

The New London School Board met on a rare Tuesday night, May 16. This was due to the K-12 music program on May 15. With all members present the Superintendent recognized the school board: Lindsay Porter, Jesse Howard, Tim Myers, Tasha Gipple, and Kyle Helmerson. Their dedication to the District and the students of the District was lauded and is appreciated.

No one addressed the Board in open forum. They approved an amended agenda and the consent agenda.

Next was Board business. Becky Kracht, PTO president, informed the Board that her group would be donating $7,000 to the new playground equipment. The Board was quite appreciative and approved the gift.

Transportation Director John March discussed the bus driver situation. Everyone needs bus drivers. Numbers are few, subs are hard to get and most have other jobs, and training is extensive. He strongly urged the Board to keep all current incentives that are offered as they help hire and retain drivers. After some further discussion, they approved wages, a $500 stipend for the new drivers to study, learn, and obtain the appropriate license, a $500 sign-on/retention bonus for sub drivers as well, and changed some contract language to make it more clear and concise.

Adam Kerns, HUB International Insurance, discussed property, casualty, & worker compensation insurance for the District for 2023-2024. It has come in over projections at $206,000, approximately $35,000 more than last year. There are very few options to reducing the premium. This will continue as a discussion item with Kerns at next month’s meeting.

The Board has received School Resource Officer (SRO) job descriptions from various school districts. Superintendent Wahls has asked the Board for direction on how to proceed. The Board seems to feel that the position should be full-time. It is recommended that administration should visit some districts to actually see how an SRO works. Pekin and Central Lee were suggested.

The Board took the following actions:

•Approved Prairie Farms for dairy products for the lunch program.

•Approved an early graduation request.

•Approved Becky Ahern Consulting Service for 2023-2024.

•Approved 2023-2024 beginning wage schedule for hourly employees at $14.00 an hour.

•Approved 2023-2024 Master Contract with NLEA.

•Approved employee lane/step adjustment for an employee after much discussion with Jesse Howard voting “no.”

•Approved June 2023 Board meeting be moved to June 13 at 6 p.m.

•Approved 2023-2024 Board meetings for the third Monday at 6 p.m.

•Approved new competition wrestling mat and new wall padding to BSN Sports for $26,512.92.

Next were reports. The Board heard from Student Ambassador Michael Raines as they plan for next year. Both principals reported. In the elementary, the Book Worms program is reaping excellent results. He also discussed the overwhelming response to the death in the elementary. The secondary principal discussed the 6th grade campout and 8th grade trip and how well behaved the students were. He also discussed Senior Spotlight Celebration and its success.

Mr. Wahls gave a building project update. This week should see the two buildings joined. He also discussed graduation details and the trips the kids have taken.

In personnel matters, they took the following actions: Resignations: Tina Garrett/elementary interventionist and Sara McCollum/PLC Leader. Appointments: Jordan Hubbard/Kindergarten teacher; 2023-24 TLC Funded positions; 2023-24 Fall/Winter Schedule B positions. Volunteer Weight Room Supervisors — Kooper Schulte and Blaise Porter (Lindsay Porter abstained); Lena Nelson, Blaise Porter, and Paxton Lindsey (alt.)/Summer student custodians @ $10/hr. (Lindsay Porter abstained).

The Board then went into exempt session to discuss negotiations.

The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London School Board will be June 13 at 6 p.m. at the North Campus boardroom.