Bill Schilling Is Elected School Board Chairman

Bill Schilling was elected chairman of the Jasper County School Board at the board’s regular meeting January 16. Erin Lynch will continue to serve as vice-chair.

Mr. Schilling replaces Dr. Shannon Barton who will remain on the board, just not in the capacity of chairman. February meetings are set for a work session on February 8, and the business session on February 20.

Board members discussed the upcoming vote for an Education Local Option Sales Tax, and agreed the final vote to move forward would come at the February work session. The $9.9 million bond will retire the 2005 bond, build an athletic complex including football stadium and track, complete renovations and modifications at Jasper County Primary School, complete the roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at Washington Park Elementary School, as well as handle some paint and carpet there. It will also pay for upgrades at Jasper County High School.

Between the work session on January 11 and the regular meeting on January 16, board members heard from school improvement reports from each of the schools.

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Board members approved several personnel changes, including the following hires:

Marcia Smith and Stella Lewis, bus drivers; Beth Dignan, teacher, fifth grade, Washington Park Elementary School, and the following substitute teachers LiYuan Chien, Erica Hart, Beth Hart, Alissa Mantecon, Shea McElreath, David Brett, Heather Lease, Daniel Calkin, and Sharon Aiken.

They also accepted the resignation of William Clark, head custodian, Jasper County Middle School.

Lastly, they agreed to transfer Claudia Weathers from WPES as Instructional Coach to Jasper County Primary School as a Interventionist teacher.

Board members passed a resolution addressing the teacher shortage, and it asks that the legislature allow retired teachers to return to the classroom without it adversely affecting their Teacher Retirement System (TRS) benefits.

School board members also approved the monthly field trip, fund raising, and facilities use requests.