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Mahomet-Seymour board honors retirees, spotlights students and receives national music-education award
Summary
At its May 18 meeting, the Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 Board honored multiple retiring staff members, recognized student awardees and accepted presentation of the NAMM Foundation "Best Communities for Music Education" designation for 2026.
The Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 Board of Education opened its May 18 meeting by honoring a slate of retiring employees and celebrating student achievements before receiving a national award for music education.
At the start of the public session the board recognized Missy Smith, a long-serving paraprofessional at Lincoln Trail Elementary, with a tribute noting her decades of support to students. A district speaker (speaker 5) said, “This year, the legendary Missy Smith is hanging up her lanyard and entering a well deserved retirement,” and credited her with building students’ confidence and serving as a steady presence in the classroom.
Administrators also recognized Michael Stevens for 33 years leading the district music program; the board cited large ensemble participation and state- and parade-level performances that the program has achieved under his leadership. Other retirees noted included Rhonda Starkey and grounds director Dave Kiest, who were thanked for years of service.
The meeting shifted to a building spotlight and student recognitions. Teachers and administrators introduced IPA student nominees and other honorees, praising nominees for leadership, service and academic achievement across grade levels.
Curtis Decker, a representative from the music shop, presented the NAMM Foundation award to district music staff and administrators. Decker said the district “has been named the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education district by the NAMM Foundation,” and explained the recognition reflects leadership, community support, access and sustained commitment to comprehensive music instruction.
Why it matters: the award underscores the district’s investment in music education—which district speakers tied to broader student engagement and leadership opportunities—and the retiree recognitions highlighted continuity in school staffing as the district transitions into summer.
The board moved on after the presentations to routine business and votes later in the agenda.
