STAUNTON – The regular meeting of the Staunton School Board was called to order at 7 p.m. on Monday with all members being present except Chris Tingle.

The board was also presented with four options for planning for the expansion of the schools. The plan had options for a new track, football, soccer, baseball, and softball facilities. Also included was a new high school complex.

The primary purpose of the plan is to choose the location of a new track. The placement would affect the possibilities of expansion of the district within the property owned.

The board immediately went into closed session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline performance, or dismal of specific employees, litigation and a student matter.

The board then approved all regular and special education bills.

Leanne Brown then gave an end of the year report for A.R. Graiff. She told the board that it has been a good year at the school.

Elementary Principal Mark Skertich gave his report to the board. He said athletic physicals are schedule for August 2 at Community Memorial Hospital.

He is also working with Mt. Olive Elementary Principal Doug Smith on bringing a program titled "Bring the Rain Forest to Your School." The program is done by Understanding Wildlife. The program is done at no cost to the school and will teach students about rain forest conservation.

High School Principal Edward Fletcher then gave his report.

He told the board prom was a huge success and the student enjoyed the post prom at the Korte Center in Highland. He went on to say that he received a letter from the director of the faculty commenting on how well behaved the students were while at the center.

The board then decided to change the policy on the recognition of public visitors. Currently there is a conflict on how long visitors can address the board. It was decided to limit the time to 15 minutes with the board president allowing for more time if necessary. The board then granted family medical leave to Nancy Werden. Werden will go on leave in November and return in January.

The board then decided to change health insurance providers from GHP to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The switch will provide savings to both the district and employees.

Bulte Contractors was awarded the projected to replace the bleachers in the high school gym at a cost of $49,795.

Superintendent Kyle Hlafka then told the board the district has received a clean energy grant to replace lighting in the school. The amount of the grant is $42,000.

The board then accepted the resignation of Nancy Werden as the assistant golf coach.

The board then hired Jennifer Dowdy as an early childhood teacher and Michelle Camarena as a psychologist. Both will be working for the South Macoupin Service Area.

The board also granted early graduation to Alyese Goebel pending the completion of graduation requirements. The board adjourned at 9:51 p.m.