Murphysboro board accepts several resignations, approves hires and transfers

The Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 Board of Education on Tuesday accepted multiple personnel changes and approved several appointments and transfers.

Clerk read a resignation from Joshua Finski, an educator at Murphysboro High School: "I have decided to resign from my position as an educator here at Murphysboro High School," the letter said, and noted he will finish the remainder of the school year under his contract. The board moved to accept the resignation and the motion carried.

The board also accepted the resignation of Rob Kirk, who in his letter thanked mentors and said he expects the girls basketball program to continue under new leadership. Nigel Williams submitted a resignation as a sixth-grade math teacher and athletic director at Murphysboro Middle School, effective the last day of school; his letter said the move is to be closer to family. The board approved each resignation by motion and vote.

Separately, the board approved a request from Andy Winters for one to three weeks leave surrounding the expected birth of his child.

After returning from closed session the board approved several personnel actions: internal transfers including Park Swinson to Murphysboro High School; movement of Lacy Brown from a long-term substitute role into NHS; the hiring of Monica Neal for a social-studies position at MMS (non-certified); conversion of a part-time para to a full-time role; and approval of volunteer Kiana Burke as MMS track coach. The board voted on these items and recorded aye votes for the majority of members; one motion earlier recorded a No vote on an item and one abstention was recorded where noted in the minutes.

The board said these actions reflect routine staffing adjustments and transitions as the district closes out the school year.