Hononegah School Board prepares for 100 year anniversary; welcomes new board member and staff at meeting
Evan Schoepski has been named to fill the vacant Board of Education seat.
Superintendent Mike Dugan outlined plans for a special celebration during Homecoming week at the July 20 school board meeting. Hononegah Community High School (HCHS) has classes that span generations, going back 100 years, and Homecoming is a time to reflect on memories of high school years.
Dugan said a bonfire is being organized on Sept. 22, 2022 following the longtime tradition of powder puff games and a pep rally. Alumni from specific graduating years, including 1966 and 1967, have reserved tent space as a chance to reunite. Hononegah's HOPE Foundation is treating everyone to a firework display starting at 9:30 p.m. after the homecoming game on Friday night. “We are very proud to be part of the planning of the 100th anniversary celebration and to be part of all of it,” Dugan said.
Dugan also reported on construction work and projects being done on the Hononegah Community High School campus.
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Tennis court construction is on schedule. The fence was installed the week prior to the Board of Education meeting and surfacing has begun. Irrigation lines have been replaced on the practice field. The former tennis court lot and the runway lot behind the visitor stand area has been sealcoated.
Roof resurfacing on the school is nearing completion. District drive replacement is on schedule.
Greenhouse heating and ventilation systems are being replaced.
Components for the trophy case are awaiting installation. Special education classrooms now have new cabinets.
The second phase of the Food Labs remodel has begun.
Cafeteria tables and cardiolab equipment have been delayed because of supply chain issues.
Dr. Kendra Asbury, director of human resources at HCHS, reviewed end of year employee recognition for years of service, annual insurance renewal, insurance open enrollment, (on the employee navigator platform), and contracts being prepared for Skyward for the 21-22 school year. She listed open positions at the school. Some of the most significant: a French/Spanish teacher to cover a one-year leave of absence (LOA), a math teacher, two paraprofessionals, and a science teacher to cover a LOA.
Dr. Asbury spoke about a recent job fair that was held. “Each person goes through the application process and specific dates go into EvaluWise Learning Management System.”
“Lots of interviews have been done for open certified and staffing positions,” Asbury said.
Evan Schoepski has been appointed to fill the Board of Education seat left by the resignation of Fred Hasse. Schoepski will be on the Enrollment, Growth and Development committee.
Andrew Walter was named as the Assistant Director of Athletics. Walter thanked the board for approving his new position. “I am really excited for this opportunity that you have given me,” Walter said.
Anrew Piske is the new Director of Technology.
A behavior consulting service agreement was signed with Love Your Classroom, LLC, which was founded in 2018 by Lani Lawson, a board certified behavior analyst. She consults with school systems to help educators learn more about student behavior. Lawson is a former educator whose passion is helping schools thrive by integrating behavioral research into each unique district culture. Lawson helps teachers to “thrive instead of just surviving by learning how to avoid teacher burnout."
The board voted to move forward with various items on the consent agenda, approving various food- related contracts, such as milk and bread, and renewing contracts in a number of areas, including 5-Star Students, Reading Plus, Yellowfolder, and Naviance.
The board approved a $1,000 donation to the Booster Club from Lone Rock, Inc.
Under new business, the board approved all handbooks (Student Handbook, Staff Handbook, Athletic Handbook, etc.) with additions to each. The board also approved the Waste Management trash agreement.
Lunch fees were increased for both students and adults, applying to the 2022-2023 school year. Students will now pay $3.30 and the adult fee is $4.00,
The board approved sending the HCHS girls cross country team on an overnight student trip to Missouri.
The Hononegah board agreed to intervene for the 2021 Hilander Village Station property tax appeal. The Kinnikinnick school district has been asked to do the same. Hilander Village is the shopping center anchored by Schuck's and a major source of tax revenues.
The board voted to designate Superintendent Dugan to sign off on financial statements of the district.
A public budget hearing has been set for Wednesday, Sept.21 at 7 p.m.
The district ended the year with an overall surplus of $764,000, according to finance director Justin Krueger.
