MACON, IL – The Meridian Community Unit School District #15 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.
Special Recognitions
November 15 is school board member appreciation day. Members of the Board of Education were thanked for their service to the community.
Administrative Reports
Building and district administrators provided updates regarding academics, activities, student services, operations, and school-wide initiatives:
Athletics: The district completed evaluations for all fall sports. With the resignation of Coach Jennifer Hendricks, the high school will begin the search for a new volleyball coach. Administrators also noted the strong community support generated by football’s postseason appearance and the momentum entering winter sports.
Curriculum & Student Services: Staff continue curriculum mapping efforts, SEL program reviews, and professional development activities, including Tech Tuesdays and Wellness Wednesdays. Special education processes and evaluations continue across all buildings.
Elementary School: MES reported a 96% participation rate for Parent–Teacher Conferences, successful Red Ribbon Week, a Veterans Day program attended by 45 veterans, and the kickoff of the Books Are Fun Book Blast promoting student literacy.
Middle School: MMS highlighted a highly successful cash raffle fundraiser, a major food drive supporting the Blue Mound Food Pantry, strong academic honors, and noteworthy student growth in IXL.
High School: MHS recognized 190 students earning 1st Quarter Honor Roll distinctions and continued community engagement through multiple service projects, including blood drives and holiday charitable initiatives. Ten students were named Illinois State Scholars, and Alayna Bickel was selected as the district’s DAR Good Citizen Award recipient.
New Business
Committee updates were provided, including upcoming meetings for Athletics (November 19) and Finance (December 2).
The Board also approved:
The Tentative 2025 Tax Levy, reflecting projected assessment increases and maintaining revenue needed for inflationary growth
A facility request from Studio B to host a dance recital in the high school auditorium on January 25
Discussion Items
Board members discussed several topics, including:
Budget updates
The 2026 Board meeting calendar
School Maintenance Grant projects, including a $50,000 state matching grant for MES roof and gutter improvements
PRESS Policy Update 120
Planning for a potential high school wrestling program
Personnel
The Board approved personnel items including the hiring of Demarcus Bond as a paraprofessional, bus drivers Shelly Ewing and James Cline, and updated substitute bus driver pay to $18.00 per hour.
Adjournment & Future Meetings
The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda.
The next regular Meridian Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.
We are Meridian!