SE Illinois News

New Hope Consolidated Community School District #6 Board of Education met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The New Hope Board of Education met on February 20, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the work room of the school.

President Jeremy Vaughan called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

Roll Call: Present: Brandon Fry

Ryan Green

Tom Barton

Jeremy Gray

Jeremy Vaughan

Absent: Jason Simpson

Dan Devous

Also Present: Britany Pope, Superintendent

Melanie Hill 

Tim King

Jeremy Gray made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing approval of January 21, 2025 regular meeting minutes, acceptance of the treasurer’s report, approval to pay bills, and FMLA request. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Treasurer’s Report and current financial information. Bank balances as of January 31, 2025:

Fairfield National Bank Checking: $1,798,200.23

IPTIP: $1,071.98

Fairfield National Bank Money Market: $381,560.53

Fairfield National Bank CD: $545,272.21

Tim King addressed the board regarding the Health, Life, & Safety bonds. The bonds will be self-purchased and interest income will be received by the Education Fund.

Mrs. Pope presented the Superintendent’s Report: Mrs. Barbre provided professional development for the staff on artificial intelligence and its usage in the classroom during our recent school improvement day. She plans on providing another workshop in April. The building and maintenance grant has been approved and pre-bid meetings will take place in March. Email communication on the water issue in the basement was included in board packets. An update to the Title IX regulations in our current press policy are now obsolete. We will revert back to the 2020 version until an update is available in the fall. Spelling bee winners Jude Webb and Kylie Green participated in the county spelling bee. Kylie finished in the top 4 of the county spellers. IPA student recognition breakfast will recognize Jonah Desanti and Amelia Hopfinger on March 7th. ROE compliance visit on personnel files and trainings went well. An additional $571 donation is expected to come from the Sork concert benefit.

New Business:

1. Jeremy Gray made a motion for consideration and action on a Resolution providing for the issue of $390,900 Taxable General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2025, of the District, for the purpose of altering and reconstruction school buildings and purchasing and installing equipment therein for fire prevention and safety, energy conservation and school security purposes of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. Second by Ryan Green.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

2. Ryan Green made a motion to authorize superintendent to advertise for LP gas bids for the 2025-26 school year. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Brandon Fry

Nay: None Carried

3. Tom Barton made a motion to authorize superintendent to advertise for snow removal bids. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton

Nay: None Carried

4. Ryan Green made a motion to adopt resolution of Illinois Vision 2030. Second by Jeremy Gray.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jeremy Gray, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

5. Tom Barton made a motion to approve fiscal year 2026 school calendar, option 3. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Tom Barton made a motion to enter executive session at 6:37 P.M. for student discipline and personnel employment. Second by Ryan Green.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Brandon Fry made a motion to return to open session at 6:53 P.M. Second by Ryan Green.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Jeremy Gray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 P.M. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Brandon Fry

Nay: None Carried

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OgqI54qjXXMFMcqdINnwbuwW7W1-Hjvv/view