The Meridian CUSD #15 Board of Education held its regular November meeting on Monday, November 18. Information from administration was shared with the Board that included: (full administrative reports can be found on pages 2-6 at this link)
High school winter sports have begun. There are 15 high school girls basketball players and 23 high school boys basketball players.
The elementary school has hosted several events over the past month including a canned food drive, the annual Halloween parade, a Veterans Day program, and a presentation for each class from author Renee Galvin.
The middle school recognized 59 students on the Principal’s List, 40 students on the high honor roll, and 39 students on the honor roll. Additionally, there were 74 students who had perfect attendance in October.
The high school is hosting several service projects including a coat drive, Toys for Tots, and a canned food drive for the Macon Holiday Food Basket Program.
In regular business, the Board approved a tentative 2024 tax levy. The levy for 2025 taxes is currently in draft form and will be reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Board. A recommendation will be made to the full Board for consideration at the December Board meeting. The Board approved a list of projects to be included in the 2025 School Maintenance Grant program. The list includes several concrete projects at both campuses, replacement of doors at the MES gym, and an upgrade to building automation controls for the HVAC systems. PRESS Policy update 116 was approved as well as a facility request for the Post Prom event.
In personnel action, the Board approved the resignations of assistant football coaches, Jon Rodriguez, Pat Luckenbill, and Peyton Denton.. The Board also approved the retirement of Michelle McKinney, which will be effective with the completion of the 2027-2028 school year. The Board approved the employment of all extra-curricular stipend positions. Assistant high school basketball coaches, Colten Day and Brian Britton were approved. Lastly in personnel action, the Board approved Gracie Butler (MS softball), Brian Britton (MS baseball), Phil Stielow (HS golf), Kyle Sparks (football), Matt Rund (boys soccer), and Jennifer Hendricks (HS volleyball) for the fall of 2025.
After several months of negotiations, the Board approved a five year contract with the Meridian Federation of Teachers. The multi-year contract addresses key areas including competitive compensation, healthcare benefits, and working conditions that will help the district continue to attract and retain high-quality educators for our students. "Our teachers are the heart of our educational community," said Shane Gordon, Superintendent of Meridian CUSD 15. "This agreement allows us to move forward together, focused on our primary mission of providing the best possible education for our students."
The Board also approved salary increases for support staff. The wage increases for staff help make important positions such as bus drivers, aides, secretaries, cafeteria staff, maintenance, and custodians more competitive with other areas of employment. Gordon commented that “schools cannot operate without these vital positions. This action by the Board of Education is intended to make the wages for these positions more in line with other school districts in the area.”
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.