Board approves CESA contract, large construction invoice and hires early‑childhood teacher

The Pecatonica Area School District board approved multiple fiscal and personnel items at its meeting, including a CESA 3 services contract increase, major construction invoicing and a recommended hire for early childhood education.

Dr. Scott presented the 2025–26 CESA 3 contract, noting the proposed total increases from $60,657 last year to $65,178 next year — an approximate $5,000 rise that reflects a 3% staffing rate increase related to speech and language services and consortium participation for gifted and talented coordination. The board discussed the scope of services and approved the contract by voice vote.

On capital and vendor invoices, trustees approved payment of several items over $4,000. The board authorized payment for 35 Chromebooks ($12,285) and approved purchase of elementary choral risers (amount in packet). A construction invoice from CJ Schmidt for $433,919.93 was presented and approved; trustees discussed project timing and prior fiscal year billing before the motion passed. The board also approved the Skyward annual software fee ($12,155) and an Allied Health & Safety invoice for asbestos abatement ($12,945), the latter to be paid from referendum funds.

On personnel, the board moved to approve the hiring recommendation for an early childhood teacher, Candace Elizabeth Ergoni White, who comes from Platteville and holds licensure in early childhood special education; the hire was approved by motion. The board also approved several extracurricular stipends and superintendent's counsel stipends for staff participation.

Donations were accepted, including a $100 gift from Blue Ribbon 4‑H Club and an anonymous $2,500 donation designated to third grade and elementary special education in memory of Josie Perko; trustees noted Perko’s long service to the elementary school and family connections among current staff.

Where vote tallies were recorded in the transcript, motions carried unanimously (7–0).