Superintendent highlights academics, safety and CTE; district recognizes Illinois State Scholars and NAAE awardee

The superintendent presented an annual state-of-the-district overview stressing academic alignment, expanded advanced coursework and targeted reading and math interventions. The district said it has prepared for the SAT-to-ACT transition by having curriculum leaders attend mastery ACT classes and has invested in staffing supports, including a structured mentoring program for 49 first- and second-year teachers.

In facilities and safety, the superintendent noted investments such as lighting upgrades, automation controls, energy-efficiency measures and a solar installation, saying those projects improve response time and long-term savings. The superintendent said the district plans to add a third school resource officer (SRO) and that the county is actively seeking candidates; he noted qualifying SRO applicants must have three years' experience.

The board also recognized student achievement: the superintendent acknowledged approximately 20 students who qualified as Illinois State Scholars (placing them in the top 10% of Illinois high-school seniors) and asked them to come forward. He also announced that retired agricultural educator Mark Stieber received the 2025 National Association of Agricultural Educators teacher-mentor award and summarized his mentoring contributions to the district's CTE programs.

Board members suggested inviting wrestler Xander Schrader to a future meeting for recognition of his conduct at a recent meet. The superintendent reminded board members to return economic interest statements by the February meeting.