Meridian Community Unit School District #15 Board of Education members gathered Monday, February 16 at the Meridian District Office for their regular monthly meeting, highlighting student accomplishments, winter athletic success, curriculum updates, and operational decisions for the district. Board President Robert Flack called the meeting to order, and administrators provided updates on academics, athletics, facilities, and student services.
Winter Athletics Season Nears Completion
The winter sports season is winding down, with high school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams preparing for postseason play. The girls headed to Casey for regional competition falling to Martinsville, while the boys are in the Tuscola regional. Meridian recently hosted the CIC girls’ basketball tournament and the IESA 7th Grade 2A State Championship, drawing praise from visiting schools for the district’s facilities and organization. The district will also host the 1A High School Boys’ Basketball Sectional in early March. Middle school volleyball is in full swing, with the 8th grade conference tournament scheduled to be hosted at Meridian on February 21.
Looking ahead to spring, high school participation numbers are strong with 17 softball players, 19 baseball players, and 19 track and field athletes preparing for their upcoming seasons.
Curriculum and Academic Updates
District curriculum work continues to focus on alignment and instructional improvement. Elementary teachers recently met to discuss implementation of the Core Knowledge social studies curriculum for grades K–5, with grades 6–8 previewing materials as well. Additional curriculum meetings for science, ELA, and electives are scheduled in the coming months. Professional development efforts have included technology-focused “Tech Tuesday” sessions and multiple administrator academies and webinars centered on instructional best practices.
Preparation is underway for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Teachers are providing targeted exposure to tested standards, and the district is planning supportive measures such as hot breakfast options and opportunities for physical activity on testing days to help students perform their best.
Student Enrollment and Activities
District enrollment remains steady:
Meridian Elementary School: 452 students
Meridian Middle School: 187 students
Meridian High School: 273 students
Elementary students recently celebrated the 100th Day of School with activities tied to math, literacy, and goal setting. The school has also launched a pilot of structured weekly SEL lessons using the Every Day Speech program and is participating in the Jump Rope for Heart initiative to promote physical wellness.
At the middle school, 31 students will be inducted into the Meridian Junior Honor Society on March 6, recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. Students will also participate in IAR testing March 9–13.
At the high school, course scheduling for 2026–27 is underway. Thirty-nine students have applied to attend Heartland Technical Academy programs, and 16 students have expressed interest in the district’s growing work program. Senior scholarship applications are now open, and the National Honor Society will host a blood drive February 27.
Facilities and Operations
The maintenance department continues district-wide lighting upgrades using Ameren Direct rebates, securing LED tubes at no cost and discounted high bay lighting for gymnasiums. Installation will begin at the elementary gym before moving to the middle school gym. Additional projects include improvements to the building in Blue Mound that will be used for the wrestling program and evaluation of outdoor lighting replacements.
Board Action Items
During the meeting, the board addressed several items of business, including:
Approval of the 2026–2027 school calendar
Approval of an updated Macon-Piatt Special Education Joint Agreement
Annual facility use request from Meridian Youth League for summer baseball and softball
Declaration of a 2002 Ford F-250 as excess property, authorizing sealed bids for its sale
The board reviewed monthly financial reports and accepted personnel changes, including staff resignations and a retirement. Resignations included Tara Burgess as a Pre-K aide and Gracie Butler as a high school assistant softball coach. Dolly Zerfowski officially retired as a bus driver. The board acted to employ Kelli Rarick as a Student Services Coordinator at MES. Additionally, the board acted on the following coaching positions, Shannon Kirby (HS head volleyball), Tyler Burgess (HS assistant soccer), Ryan Donovan (HS wrestling), Shannon Houser (MS volunteer track), and Seth Major (MS volunteer track).
The next regular meeting of the Meridian Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.
We are Meridian!