Macon Reporter

Sangamon Valley Community Unit School District 9 Board of Education met Oct. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

President Stephanie Guerrero called the October meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Board members present were: Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.

Administration

Also present: Superintendent Jonathan Field, Sangamon Valley High School Principal Kyline Burge, Sangamon Valley Middle School Principal Jonathan Downing, Sangamon Valley Intermediate School Principal Kristina Sommer, and Sangamon Valley Primary Principal Bethany Wellbaum.

Visitors

President Stephanie Guerrero recognized and welcomed the visitors.  Visitors present were Gretchen Cromwell, Nick Viele, Ainsley Campbell, Bella Viele, Sophia Casares, Allison Closs, Luna Espinoza-West, Marlie Deerwester, Madi Rowan, Kalen Floyd, and Dakota Floyd.

Gretchen Cromwell addressed the Board regarding the Farrell Flatt Tournament.

Nick Viele addressed the Board regarding a personnel issue.

Executive Session

Josh Hilbert moved and Matt Wood seconded the motion to enter closed session at 6:12 p.m. for the reasons stated on the agenda. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Closed Session Adjournment

Martha Leeper moved and Jessica Browning seconded the motion to re-enter open session at 6:23 p.m.  Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Closed Session Minutes

Jeff Stahl moved and Lori Campbell seconded the motion to accept the closed session minutes as read in closed session.  Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Resignation

Matt Wood moved and Lori Campbell seconded the motion to accept the resignation of Kathy Benton as an assistant MS track coach effective immediately.  Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Termination

Josh Hilbert moved and Jeff Stahl seconded the motion to terminate Nick Viele as an at-will paraprofessional and coach effective September 29, 2025. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl. Abstain: Matt Wood.  Motion carried.

Employment

Jessica Browning moved and Jeff Stahl seconded the motion to employ James Marksberry as High School Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda

Jessica Browning moved and Matt Wood seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.  Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

IASB Update

Stephanie Guerrero presented the Board with an IASB update.

Principals’ Report

Building Principals discussed the FY26 School Improvement Plans.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Field discussed the following items with the Board:

Strategic Plan Review

Principal Appreciation Month-October

Tentative Tax Levy

Facilities Update

Bus barn

HVAC issues

Football Field Lights

ADM Grant for FFA

Village of Harristown meeting

FY26 School Improvement Plans

Matt Wood moved and Jeff Stahl seconded the motion to accept the FY 2026 School Improvement Plans as presented. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Farrell Flatt Tournament

Lori Campbell moved and Jessica Browning seconded the motion to allow the Sports Boosters to hold their annual Farrell Flatt basketball tournament at the Illiopolis and Niantic Campuses on January 16-19, 2026. All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Nania Energy

Jessica Browning moved and Martha Leeper seconded the motion to enter into a 20-year agreement through Nania Energy for Community Solar as presented pending contract reviews and verification of exit clause. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Nania Energy

Jessica Browning moved and Josh Hilbert seconded the motion to enter into an agreement with Nania Energy for natural gas and electricity supply procurements for terms not to exceed 48 months from our respective contract renewal dates. Roll Call vote: Ayes-Jessica Browning, Lori Campbell, Stephanie Guerrero, Josh Hilbert, Martha Leeper, Jeff Stahl, and Matt Wood.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Clothes Bin

Matt Wood moved and Lori Campbell seconded the motion to enter into an agreement with Clothes Bin as presented pending contract review. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Next Regular Meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Adjournment

Josh Hilbert moved and Matt Wood seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned at 7:01 p.m.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

https://www.sangamonvalley.org/board-meetings/october-15-2025-regular-meeting