(NEWTON) The Jasper County School Board met in regular session Monday evening, addressing budget matters, policy updates, facility improvements, and personnel changes ahead of the upcoming school year.
The board began the meeting with an amended budget hearing to review updates to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Following discussion, the amended budget was approved and will be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Board members also completed second readings of several PRESS policy updates.
During the Superintendent’s Report, updates were provided on ongoing building projects and summer maintenance work throughout the district. HVAC units are being replaced at Newton Elementary School, while plumbing upgrades are underway at Newton Community High School. Staff members are also preparing buildings for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Construction continues on the Newton Elementary School addition, with crews working on foundation pouring, utility relocation, and parking lot improvements.
In new business, the board approved the amended FY 2026 budget, school fees for the 2026-2027 school year, the board meeting schedule for 2026-2027, and an amended school calendar.
Following executive session, the board approved contract renewals for several administrators for the upcoming school year.
The board also accepted several retirements and resignations, including Rebecca Kennedy, elementary teacher at Newton Elementary School; Callie Probst, art teacher at Newton Community High School; Darlene Walker, part-time Title I teacher; Autumn Peddycoart, full-time substitute at Newton Elementary School; and David Murphy, cook at Newton Elementary School.
New hires approved by the board include Melissa Worrell as the district’s 7th and 8th Grade Life Skills teacher, Whitney Klier as a district paraprofessional, and Cassondra Gragert as a district paraprofessional.
District officials noted that several positions remain available, including a full-time substitute position at Newton Elementary School and various as-needed openings.
The Jasper County School Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20.