REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF DWIGHT COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT #232
Held in the Dwight Common School District Library
On March 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Board President Jaime Mallaney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mark Christenson; Marc Ellis; Brad Hansen; Ryan Kodat; Jaime Mallaney; Chuck Trainor
ABSENT: Lori Bowman
Also in attendance: Josh DeLong, Superintendent; Deb Conroy, Secretary; Julie Schultz, Principal; Micheal Bennett-Tejes, Asst. Principal
REDBIRD OF THE MONTH
Mrs. Schultz announced that Angie Geheber had been chosen as the Redbird of the Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OR REPRESENTATIVES
Mrs. Schultz’ report stands as read. Mrs. Schultz noted that IAR testing began earlier this week.
Mr. Bennett-Tejes’ report stands as read.
Mr. Scheuer’s report stands as read.
Mr. DeLong informed the Board that during a wind storm last month the wind peeled back the roof coating and fascia. We sent in a claim to our insurance company and the roofing company has tacked the covering down until we get some warmer weather so they can come back and complete the repairs. This repair is estimated at $6,000 and should be covered by insurance.
Mr. DeLong spoke to a representative from the Heritage Prairie Windfarm Project and they stated that the project is moving forward. The substation in Essex has been started and road construction will begin in the summer. It is anticipated that the turbines will be done and online at some point in 2028.
Mr. DeLong reported that the question regarding the expansion of CSFT funds will be on the ballot and the Board agreed that they should publicly promote this expansion.
Mr. DeLong informed the Board that he had a call with Senator Chris Balkema earlier this week. He asked the Senator to not support the cell phone ban bill as it is currently written and asked for more local control. He also gave the Senator figures on how much it would cost the districts if the unemployment bill is passed as currently written. He also informed the Board about an expectation that the mandated categorical payments may be severely prorated next school year, which will negatively affect our budgets.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
went into Executive Session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss 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; According to Section 2, subsection c, #1 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
exited Executive Session at 6:56 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items for consideration on this month’s Consent Agenda are as follows:
1) Minutes of the February 11, 2026 Regular Board Meeting
2) Bills
3) Approve Resignation, Brittany Murphy, Custodian
4) Approve Employment, Peyton Garrelts, Assistant Track Coach
5) Approve Employment, Jana Kinkin, Assistant Track Coach
6) Approve Employment, Kelley Turner, Substitute Paraprofessional
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. DeLong requested that the Board allow 7th Grade student Leo Jahn to graduate to HS early. Jahn is a gifted student who has completed coursework in order to be promoted to HS level courses.
Mr. DeLong made a recommendation for a 4% salary increase for the Support Staff for the 2026-27 school year.
Mr. DeLong presented his proposal for school fees for the 2026-27 school year. The only changes would be raising breakfast by $0.05 and lunch fees by $0.10 accordingly for the NSLP program.
Mr. DeLong presented the 2025-26 Seniority List for the Board’s review.
Mr. DeLong presented the lowest responsible bid received for the sewer line replacement project. That bid was received from Commercial Mechanical Inc. at a cost not to exceed $320,000.
Mr. DeLong forwarded a proposal from the Music Department for expansion of their department. He noted that at this time the expansion is not feasible; however, it may be brought back in the future for further discussion.
adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
