Maroa Forsyth Community Unit School District 2 Board of Education met Jan. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. Call to Order – 6:30 pm
Pledge of Allegiance – Superintendent Ibbotson led the Pledge of Allegiance this time.
2. Roll Call – Present – JR Parker, Jill Feinstein, Lindsey Wise, Paul Lidy, Matt Crawford, Susie Conway. Absent – Isaac Zuniga
3. Good News – No Motion
The board recognized the 2025 MFHS football team for its outstanding season. They were second runner-up at the state finals and also received the sportsmanship award. Two players were awarded All-State Honors – Zach Smith and Ryne Sheppard. Ryne Sheppard and Isaiah Bohlmann also received Academic All-State Honors. Congratulations to Coach Jostes and the team!
4. Consent Agenda – Action
a. Approved the minutes of the regular and closed sessions from December 9, 2025.
b. Approved the minutes of the Truth in Taxation hearing held December 9, 2025.
c. Approved the minutes of the fourth session of Strategic Planning from December 3, 2025.
d. Approved the financial report.
e. Approved the bills as presented.
f. Approved the destruction of audio of closed session minutes 18 months or older.
g. Accepted the resignation of Wyatt Osborne, GS Custodian.
h. Accepted the resignation of Julie Golladay, GS paraprofessional.
i. Accepted the resignation of Christine Ashby, food service.
j. Accepted the resignation of Jennifer Gallup, food service.
k. Hired Lindsey Osborn, HS Softball Assistant.
l. Hired Lindsey Johnston, food service.
m. Approved Jake Feiel, HS Boys Basketball volunteer coach.
n. Approved Carlye King, MS Volleyball volunteer coach.
o. Approved Raegan Watt, HS Volleyball volunteer coach.
Motion by Paul Lidy and seconded by Jill Feinstein to approve the consent agenda as presented. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
5. New Business
a. Retention of Auditing Firm – Action
Sikich LLP was approved as the district’s new auditing firm for a three-year contract.
Motion by Matt Crawford and seconded by Jill Feinstein to retain Sikich LLP as the school district’s auditor for a three-year contract. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
b. Press Box Replacement – Action
The district held the bid opening on January 8, 2026. Six bids were received. Johnco Construction’s bid to replace the existing pressbox was approved. Funds for this project will come from the county school facilities sales tax, which can only be used for capital improvement projects. The pressbox will be built off-site and craned in. Replacement will start sometime after the last track meet in May.
Motion by Lindey Wise and seconded by JR Parker to approve the bid from Johnco Construction, Inc. for the Pressbox Replacement. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
c. Authorized List of Depositories – Action
The current list of depositories was approved. This approval process will occur annually per updated board policy.
Motion by Susie Conway and seconded by JR Parker to approve the list of depositories as presented. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
d. Course Guide Updates for the 2026-2027 School Year – Action
Changes to the MFHS course guide were presented by Mr. Stewart, High School Principal. Some of the changes include updates to math courses and the addition of multiple pathways to better serve students’ needs. Having multiple pathways offers much greater flexibility to help students get to Algebra 2 while also benefiting accelerated learners. Other changes include Natural Resources Management & Conservation and Learning Strategies. Updates were also made to RCC English 101 and RCC English 102.
Motion by Paul Lidy and seconded by JR Parker to approve the 2026-2027 Course Guide Updates as presented. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
e. Single Point Audit – Action
Superintendent Ibbotson shared information on the single-point audit of Title 1 Funds. The single point audit was approved.
Motion by Jill Feinstein and seconded by Susie Conway to accept the single point audit as presented. Vote 6-0 in favor. Motion carried.
f. Strategic Plan Update – Informational
A meeting with the administrative team and Educational Leadership Solutions is scheduled for February 11, 2026. The team will discuss goal leaders, action steps, accountability, and the costs required to implement the strategic plan. The proposed action steps will be presented to the board in June for final approval.
g. IHSA Updates for Fall 2026 – Informational
Mr. Applebee shared upcoming changes to the IHSA calendar. Several bylaw changes were passed by the IHSA affecting the start of fall practices and shifts to the football schedule, including changes to the IHSA’s no-contact period. Safety is the school district’s top priority for athletes. All IHSA changes have not been finalized yet. Mr. Applebee will communicate additional changes/updates to the board as he learns more and is happy to answer any questions parents may have.
7. Old Business
a. Principal Reports – Informational. Reports are presented in the board packets for review.
b. School Board Conference Report/IASB Liaison Report – Informational
Jill Feinstein hasn’t received anything new regarding the school board conference. IASB regional meetings are being scheduled for the spring.
c. Bargaining Dates – Informational
Meetings are scheduled for 1/21/2026, 1/24/206, and 1/31/2026 if needed.
8. Adjournment
Motion by Matt Crawford and seconded by Jill Feinstein to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
https://d2dtwxh7k8oeww.cloudfront.net/media/uploads/district/board/jan-2026-reg-approved-minutes.pdf
