Southern Illinois News

Anna Community Consolidated School District 37 Board of Education met March 18.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

Board Vice President Jim Hammer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Roll Call

                          Present         Absent         Arr. Late

Josh Gooden    via phone     __________ __________

Jim Hammer    ____X_____ __________ __________

Pam Needling  __________ ____X_____ __________

Cheryl Ligon    ____X_____ __________ __________

Collin Crane    ____X_____ __________ __________

Lottie Smith     ____X_____ __________ __________

Brent Sims      ____X_____ __________ __________

Principals, Mark Laster, Angela Clay, Rob Lannom

Staff, Carla Whitaker, Shari Biggs

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Lottie Smith to approve the agenda for the meeting. Voice vote. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Collin Crane to approve the consent agenda of the following items: Minutes of the February 18, 2025 Regular Meeting, Financial Reports: Activity Fund, Revolving Fund, Treasurer’s Report, Cafeteria Report, Insurance Report, Approve Bills and Payroll. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea, Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

The District calendar for the 2025-2026 school year had to be amended to match spring break for AJCHS District 81 due to a band trip.

A motion was made by Josh Gooden and seconded by Jim Hammer to accept a letter of resignation from Melissa Thompson. Voice vote. Motion carried.

Superintendent Boren reported that the school improvement grant is being well utilized. Five year contracts have been signed and paid for many programs and curriculums, as well as planning for summer school. This should leave zero waste of this grant. Asbestos abatement will occur in the Davie hallways, upstairs and downstairs. Floorscapes will install vinyl luxury tiles in June, similar to what is at Lincoln. Walls will be stripped, ceiling tiles replaced, and new lights installed. The hope is for the entire building to have this complete within four years. The bathroom rebuild will happen over spring break. Concrete floors like the ones at Lincoln will be poured along with new stalls. The bleacher tear-out will begin after the teacher institute day, followed by the installation of new bleachers, a new scorer’s table, and signage from B&D Signs. The bleachers will be red and gold. The house next to Lincoln is set to be demolished soon. An offer was made on another house nearby, hoping to demolish it as well. The intersection near the bus lot remains a concern. Mr. Boren is planning to speak with the City of

Anna to remedy the situation. The wheelchair accessible merry-go-round and three other playground centers have been installed.

Principal Laster reported that IAR testing has begun and seems to be going well. Mrs. Yates stepped in and took over the open 6th grade classroom. We are thankful and lucky to have her. This has been the easiest and most seamless transition possible. Thank you to Mrs. Yates. Mr. Eudy is being inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame. This is an enormous honor and Anna District 37 is proud to call him our own. The school leadership team is working on curriculum alignment for math and language arts. The goal is to have the major work done by the start of the school year. Mad Science Night was on March 11th and was a big success. The presenter did a great job and we cannot thank Mrs. Taylor enough for her hard work. Student registration for the 2025-2026 school year will be open online from May through June, with in person registration on July 31st and August 1st.

Mr. Lannom reported that volleyball has had a successful season, earning the top ranking in the region and honor of hosting the regional tournament. The 5th and 6th grade basketball tournament went well this year. Jump Rope for Heart was another success thanks to Mr. Eudy. Golf season has begun with matches starting in April. Bowling has wrapped up. There were two in-school suspensions and no out-of-school suspensions this month.

Mrs. Clay reported that SST meetings are underway with Lincoln complete and Davie/Jr High in progress. Final retention lists have been submitted to Mr. Laster. Reading Night is scheduled for March 29th at 6pm. Board members are invited to volunteer. Reading Room, 1st grade teachers, and Mrs. Clay attended the Illinois Reading Council conference in Springfield. They met with the 95% group and were asked to co-present next year to showcase their program utilization. This is a very big honor and speaks volumes about our teachers. The PTO purchased two ride-on animals for Lincoln’s Star Student assemblies.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Collin Crane to enter Executive Session for the purpose of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Voice vote. Motion carried.

Board entered Executive Session at 5:53 p.m.

Board returned to Regular Session at 6:36 p.m.

A motion was made by Collin Crane and seconded by Josh Gooden to remove the Technology Administrator position at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Josh Gooden and seconded by Jim Hammer to hire Will McKenzie as Head Boys Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, nay; Jim Hammer, nay; Cheryl Ligon, nay; Collin Crane, nay; Lottie Smith, nay; Brent Sims, nay. Motion failed.

A motion was made by Collin Crane and seconded by Jim Hammer to hire Will McKenzie as the 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, nay; Jim Hammer, nay; Cheryl Ligon, nay; Collin Crane, nay; Lottie Smith, nay; Brent Sims, nay. Motion failed.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Josh Gooden to hire Dalton Goddard as the Boys Baseball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Brent Sims to hire Pat Pitts as the Head Girls Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Lottie Smith and seconded by Brent Sims to hire Sam Taylor as the Girls Basketball Assistant Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Pat Pitts as the 6th Grade Girls Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Josh Gooden to hire Sam Taylor as the 5th Grade Girls Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Josh Gooden to hire Erin Suggs as Head Softball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Jen Snell as the Volleyball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Josh Gooden to hire September Davis as the Jr High Cheer Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, nay; Jim Hammer, nay; Cheryl Ligon, nay; Collin Crane, nay; Lottie Smith, nay; Brent Sims, nay. Motion failed.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire September Davis as the 5th/6th Grade Cheer Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, nay; Jim Hammer, nay; Cheryl Ligon, nay; Collin Crane, nay; Lottie Smith, nay; Brent Sims, nay. Motion failed.

A motion was made by Josh Gooden and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Mandy Smith as the Girls Track Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Brent Sims and seconded by Jim Hammer to hire Will McKenzie as the Boys Track Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, nay; Jim Hammer, nay; Cheryl Ligon, nay; Collin Crane, nay; Lottie Smith, nay; Brent Sims, nay. Motion failed.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Becca Yates as the Scholar Bowl Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Lottie Smith and seconded by Cheryl Ligon to hire Missy Taylor as the Student Council Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Brent Sims to hire Holly Newman as the Instrumental Music Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Cheryl Ligon and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Anna Rodriguez as the Vocal Music Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Lottie Smith to hire Karen Sherwood as the Yearbook Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Brent Sims and seconded by Collin Crane to hire Josh Shearer as the Art Club Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Lottie Smith and seconded by Cheryl Ligon to hire Cary Quick as the Bowling Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Lottie Smith and seconded by Jim Hammer to hire Heather Carter as the Lil’ Indians Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Brent Sims and seconded by Josh Gooden to hire Mandy Smith as the Cross Country Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Brent Sims to hire Jason Leek as the Golf Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Brent Sims and seconded by Collin Crane to hire Josh Shearer as the Chess Club Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll call vote. Josh Gooden, yea; Jim Hammer, yea; Cheryl Ligon, yea; Collin Crane, yea; Lottie Smith, yea; Brent Sims, yea. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jim Hammer and seconded by Brent Sims to accept Mike Eddings as the volunteer Disc Golf Coach for the 2025-2026 school year. Voice vote. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Brent Sims and seconded by Collin Crane to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. with the next Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Voice vote. Motion carried.

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