SE Illinois News

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

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The New Hope Board of Education met on May 20, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the work room of the school.

President Jeremy Vaughan called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.

Roll Call: Present: Dan Devous

Ryan Green

Tom Barton

Jeremy Gray

Jeremy Vaughan

Absent: Brandon Fry

Jonathan Hase

Also Present: Britany Pope, Superintendent

Melanie Hill

Ryan Green made a motion to approve the consent agenda containing approval of April 15, 2025 regular meeting minutes, acceptance of the treasurer’s report, approval to pay bills, and destroy closed session audio recordings older than 18 months. Second by Dan Devous.

Voice Vote: Yea: Jeremy Vaughan, Dan Devous, Tom Barton,

Ryan Green, Jeremy Gray

Nay: None Carried

Treasurer’s Report and current financial information. Bank balances as of April 30, 2025:

Fairfield National Bank Checking: $1,790,331.86

IPTIP: $1,083.58

Fairfield National Bank Money Market: $384,830.49

Fairfield National Bank CD: $545,272.21

Mrs. Pope presented the Superintendent’s Report: The school board conference registration opens June 2nd . We had a few students participate in state track and golf. Malori Simpson placed first in discus. Bella Hodges placed sixth in high jump. Amelia Hopfinger is our first golfer at New Hope and advanced to state but did not place. Chris Hopfinger offered to continue coaching golf if there is an interest next year. The sports banquet was well attended.

Student’s last day of school is May 28th with field day activities and a 12:30 dismissal. Teacher’s last day will also be May 28th since the planned May 29th teacher institute day was made up in April before spring break. Track uniforms are next on the list to be purchased. Girls basketball is also in need of uniforms so we are seeking a quote and possible replacement as well. We are looking into our options for replacing or updating the scorers bench in the gym. We are on year three of replacing carpet. This year carpet in second grade classroom, office, ramp, and special education classroom will be replaced. Next year will be the lab and upstairs classrooms. The gym floor will be resealed this summer. Wayne County School Board Relationships dinner put on by the farm bureau is scheduled for June 12 th at the First Christian Church. The zipline is here and needs installed.

Brandon Fry arrived at 7:07 P.M.

New Business:

1. First reading of board policy update issue 118.

2. Ryan Green made a motion to display the amended budget for fiscal year 2025. Second by Tom Barton.

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

Nay: None Carried

3. Dan Devous made a motion to authorize superintendent to prepare fiscal year 2026 budget.

Second by Brandon Fry.

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

Nay: None Carried

4. Ryan Green made a motion to adopt district literacy plan. Second by Tom Barton.

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

Nay: None Carried

Dan Devous made a motion to enter executive sesstion at 7:30 P.M. for personnel performance, hiring, and student discipline. Second by Brandon Fry.

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

Nay: None Carried

Tom Barton made a motion to return to open session at 8:01 P.M. Second by Brandon Fry.

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

Nay: None Carried

5. Ryan Green made a motion to hire Kamber Jolley as permanent sub/paraprofessional for fiscal year 2026. Second by Jeremy Gray.

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

Nay: None Carried

6. Tom Barton made a motion to advertise for paraprofessional for fiscal year 2026. Second by Brandon Fry.

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

Nay: None Carried

Dan Devous made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M. Second by Tom Barton.

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

Nay: None Carried

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KlttKiOXJ_7TYi5GGv82NPGAelo4B_VN/view