Murphysboro School Board accepts resignations, approves list of new hires

The Murphysboro School District 186 Board of Education on Aug. 4, 2025, accepted several letters of resignation and retirement and approved a list of new hires following a closed-session personnel review. The board acknowledged written notices from employees including Kenneth “Kenny” Meadows, who wrote, “To whom it may concern, I'm writing this letter to serve notice of my retirement from Murphysboro School District 186 as of 08/04/2025.” The board also accepted a letter from Robert Rowe stating he would step down as assistant wrestling coach and a letter from Megan Hysum saying, “due to the medical restrictions and medical issues, I, Megan Hysum, will not be returning to Murphysboro School District 186. Effective immediately, 08/04/2025.” The board’s meeting packet identified Hysum as a cook at the middle school. Board members then moved the meeting into closed session under the Open Meetings Act to discuss employment and personnel matters. After returning, the board approved a slate of hires and volunteer appointments, including certificated and classified positions and extracurricular coaches. The list read into the record included Brian Tripp (part-time teacher), Bonnie Forbate (special education/general John A. Logan listed in packet), Tina Brown (cook), Jared Starrick and Eric Malueur (MHS band volunteers), Madeline Gibson (nurse LPN, John A. Logan), David Stultz (MMS para), Anna Camille (part-time MMS para), Holly Thompson (MHS freshman volleyball coach) and Aaron Wyatt (MHS volunteer football coach). A roll call vote was recorded for the closed-session approvals with board members voting in favor; motions to approve were made, seconded and carried. The board did not specify individual motioners or seconders for the personnel approvals in the public minutes. The board’s actions included both acceptance of departures and formal employment actions; discussion that triggered the closed session was described by the board as a review of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees and hearing testimony on a complaint to determine its validity under the Open Meetings Act. No additional details about separation terms, vacancies created, or start dates for the newly approved hires were provided in the public record at the meeting.