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Effingham CUSD 40 board ratifies ECTA contract, approves dismissals and names deputy superintendent
Summary
Board approved the ECTA collective bargaining agreement for FY26—Y30, passed resolutions for honorable dismissal of five teachers and one support staff member, approved a non-renewal of an administrator contract, and voted to appoint Kelsey Baker as deputy superintendent under a five-year contract beginning July 1, 2026.
The Effingham CUSD 40 board approved a series of personnel actions and a final teacher contract during the meeting.
The board voted to approve the final version of the ECTA collective bargaining agreement covering FY26 through FY30. The Chair described the process as a "long journey" and said the district and ECTA are "signed, sealed, and delivered." The motion to approve the CBA was moved by Andrew Ropa, seconded by Chad, and roll-call votes recorded as yes by the members listed in the transcript.
The board approved honorable dismissals for five teachers: Whitney Dreyer, Seth Henson, Cayden Howard, Kenna Custer and Autumn Peyton. The motion to approve those dismissals was moved by Andrew Ropa and seconded by Chad; roll-call votes were recorded in favor.
The board approved the honorable dismissal of educational support staff member John Zapelsa (strength and conditioning coach). The motion was moved by Chad and seconded by Erica; roll-call votes were recorded in favor.
The board approved the non-renewal of administrator Matt Thompson's contract and the dismissal of a second-year probationary teacher. The motion was moved by Erica and seconded by Chad; roll-call votes were recorded as yes for the named actions.
The board voted to appoint Kelsey Baker as deputy superintendent with the intent to name her the next superintendent following Andy's retirement. The board offered Baker a five-year contract beginning July 1, 2026. The motion to approve the deputy superintendent contract was moved by Jane and seconded by Brandon; roll-call votes were recorded in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
All motions and roll-call confirmations referenced in this article are recorded in the meeting transcript; the board did not debate separate amendments to these motions during the portions of the transcript provided.
