Eastern Pulaski board approves two‑year collective bargaining agreement, 2026–27 calendar and several routine items

At its regular meeting, the Eastern Pulaski Community Sch Corp board approved a two‑year collective bargaining agreement for 2025–2027 and a package of routine approvals that included financial reports, personnel items, donations, a retroactive field trip authorization, a custodial hire, publication of an RFP for internet services and the 2026–27 school calendar.

Collective bargaining agreement: A presenter identified in the transcript as "Chieven" asked trustees to approve a two‑year contract covering 2025–2027. With no questions from board members, a motion was made, seconded and the agreement was approved.

Financial and personnel items: Mrs. Green gave the financial report, noting bank balances and monthly claims and describing a five‑year, corporation‑wide Canon copier contract stated in the packet at $2,711.70 per month covering 17 printers and copiers. Mrs. Cheese asked the board to move administrative contracts and salary agreements into the personnel section; the board approved personnel items and the financial report following motions and seconds.

Donations and field trip: Staff listed multiple community donations (for example, Rachel D $1,300 for Camp Tecumpsa; Nicole Johnson $250 for first grade; Albri Fogle $3,000 for sharing closets; Farm Credit $750 and several smaller gifts). Trustees approved acceptance of those donations. The board also gave retroactive approval for an out‑of‑state field trip: Amy Booker and Natalie Dickinson’s classes had visited the Art Institute of Chicago on Nov. 6 for an exhibit on symbolism; staff said the trip was funded through a classroom grant/donation.

Hiring, procurement and calendar: Trustees approved the recommendation to hire Kayla Hipster as an evening custodian. The board authorized publishing a three‑year RFP for internet services with a Dec. 16 bid deadline and an option to extend two additional years. The proposed 2026–27 school calendar was approved; highlights presented included a staff day on July 31, teacher work days on Aug. 3–4, moving parent‑teacher conferences to the end of the first nine weeks, an asynchronous e‑learning day for staff safety work, last student day May 21 and graduation May 30.

Votes at a glance

- Ratification meeting adjournment: motion carried (opposition vocalized once during roll call). - Approve agenda and minutes (Oct. 13): motions carried. - Financial items: approved following Mrs. Green’s report. - Personnel items (including administrative contracts/salaries): approved. - Collective bargaining agreement (2025–2027): approved. - Donations listed in packet: approved. - Retroactive out‑of‑state field trip (Art Institute of Chicago, Nov. 6): approved. - Custodial hire (Kayla Hipster): approved. - Publish RFP for internet services (three‑year contract, Dec. 16 bid deadline): approved. - 2026–27 school calendar: approved.

The board closed with principals’ reports and board comments praising teachers, volunteers and donors, then adjourned the meeting.