SE Illinois News

New Hope Consolidated Community School District #6 Board of Education met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The New Hope Board of Education met on March 18, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the work room of the school.

President Jeremy Vaughan called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.

Roll Call: Present: Jason Simpson

Dan Devous

Brandon Fry

Ryan Green

Tom Barton

Jeremy Gray

Jeremy Vaughan

Absent: None

Also Present: Britany Pope, Superintendent

Melanie Hill

Hillary Goodman

Billy Belangee

Jason Simpson made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing approval of February 20, 2025 regular meeting minutes, acceptance of the treasurer’s report, and approval to pay bills. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry,

Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray,

Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Treasurer’s Report and current financial information. Bank balances as of February 28, 2025:

Fairfield National Bank Checking: $1,774,861.12

IPTIP: $1,075.65

Fairfield National Bank Money Market: $382,586.28

Fairfield National Bank CD: $545,272.21

Mrs. Pope presented the Superintendent’s Report: We have received the maintenance grant money. A pre-bid meeting held earlier in March for the upcoming HVAC work was attended by Baysinger and the contractor from last summer’s work. In an update on the basement leaking issue, we have contacted the attorney and sent him the contracts to assess what our options are. Baysinger seems to be backing out of the issue. When warranty of the work was brought up to Bevis Construction, they said the warranty covers if their work was unsatisfactory and is questioning us on where the unsatisfactory work is. The attorney says we have 10 years to file a complaint on the issue and then another 4 years to dispute in court. The 3rd and 4th grade

Brain Games team placed in the top 3 at the first level and advanced to the second level competition. That competition will be at Rend Lake on March 24th . Lady Panther Day was recognized on March 11 th at the city council meeting. Mayor Moore read a proclamation to honor our and recognize our girl’s teams on their accomplishment. The Lady Panthers also received a key to the city.

New Business:

1. Jason Simpson made a motion to approve amended calendar for fiscal year 2025. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson

Nay: None Carried

2. Ryan Green made a motion to accept LP gas bid from Wabash Valley Service at the firm price of $1.78. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous

Nay: None Carried

Item 3 on the agenda was tabled until the April meeting due to lack of snow removal bids received.

4. Dan Devous made a motion to rehire Britany Pope as superintendent for fiscal year 2026. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton

Nay: None Carried

Tom Barton made a motion to enter executive session at 7:13 P.M. for student discipline, personnel performance, hiring, employment, compensation, and dismissal. Second by Jason Simpson.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jeremy Gray, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

Jason Simpson made a motion to return to open session at 8:34 P.M. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

5. Dan Devous made a motion to rehire Hillary Goodman for 2025-2026. Second by Ryan Green.

Voice Vote: Yea: Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson

Nay: None Carried

6. Jason Simpson made a motion to rehire Sara Wise for 2025-2026. Second by Tom Barton.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous

Nay: None Carried

7. Jeremy Gray made a motion to rehire Shelby Livesay for 2025-2026. Second by Brandon Fry.

Voice Vote: Yea: Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry

Nay: None Carried

8. Ryan Green made a motion to rehire Carrie Rapp for 2025-2026. Second by Dan Devous.

Voice Vote: Yea: Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton

Nay: None Carried

9. Tom Barton made a motion to grant tenure to Tylar McKitrick. Second by Jason Simpson.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jeremy Gray, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

10. Dan Devous made a motion to hire Shawna Weber as teacher for 2025-2026. Second by Jason Simpson.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jason Simpson, Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan

Nay: None Carried

11. Brandon Fry made a motion to table rehiring coaches and assistant coaches for 2025-2026. Second by Dan Devous.

Voice Vote: Yea: Dan Devous, Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson

Nay: None Carried

Dan Devous made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 P.M. Second by Jason Simpson.

Voice Vote: Yea: Brandon Fry, Tom Barton, Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray, Jeremy Vaughan, Jason Simpson, Dan Devous

Nay: None Carried 

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