MACON, Ill. (Sept. 22, 2025) – The Meridian Community Unit School District #15 Board of Education met Monday evening at Meridian Elementary School, where members held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and took action on several important items affecting students and staff.
The board approved the district’s FY26 budget, along with other measures including:
Setting the 2025 Meridian High School graduation date for May 23 at 5 p.m.
Authorizing the FFA’s participation in the National Convention from Oct. 29–31.
Purchasing a 22-passenger school bus with a wheelchair lift from Midwest Transit Equipment for $74,960.
Awarding a $26,890 bid to Schrock Builders to insulate and finish the district maintenance building.
Declaring four 2016 school buses as excess property to be sold through CIS Auction Service.
Approving a facility request for the YMCA After School Program at Meridian Elementary.
The board also reviewed Policy 7:180, which addresses bullying prevention. As required by the Illinois State Board of Education, the policy undergoes review every two years. No changes were recommended at this time.
Personnel Updates
The board accepted the upcoming retirement of longtime staff member Mike Stogsdill, effective at the conclusion of the 2028–2029 school year. Resignations were also approved for teachers Kailee Stewart and Abbey Norman, along with paraprofessional Brandy Davis. Additional personnel actions, including the hiring of Mindy Marion as a school counselor, Jennifer Phipps as a bus driver, Megan Keller as a paraprofessional, and several coaching positions
Student Activities and Athletics
The Athletic Director report highlighted a strong start for the high school soccer team, which has won 8 of its first 11 matches and earned 2nd place in the Argenta-Oreana tournament. Volleyball secured 4th place in a 12-team tournament and will host the CIC tournament in October. The golf team is competing with a 15–10 record and will also host a CIC tournament this week. Middle school sports are underway, with girls’ basketball tryouts drawing 34 players.
Homecoming festivities are set for the week of October 6–11, including a parade in Macon on October 8 and a district-wide assembly on October 10. The football team will face Unity Christian in the Homecoming game on October 10.
Academic and Curriculum Updates
The district continues to expand use of IXL learning tools across grades K–12, with staff training held in August. Fall assessments through AimsWeb Plus have been completed for elementary students, guiding intervention planning. Staff also participated in professional development sessions on curriculum mapping, social-emotional learning, and special education accommodations.
At the elementary level, a new specialist schedule introduced STEM courses for students. Meanwhile, the middle school launched its first-quarter activities, including recognition events and participation in the 9/11 Tower Challenge. The high school reported positive results from its new cell phone policy, which has increased classroom engagement.
Looking Ahead
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.