The Meridian Community Unit School District #15 Board of Education met Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting at the district office, addressing district finances, personnel matters, facility improvements, and celebrating a successful spring season for students and staff.
Among the items presented for board consideration were approval of the FY27 Consolidated District Plan, renewal of the district’s intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education for alternative education services, and the tentative FY26 amended budget. District officials said the budget amendment process will provide a more accurate picture of year-end finances and help guide future planning.
Board members also reviewed property and casualty insurance renewals. Superintendent Gordon reported that the district’s total insurance property/casualty/liability premium increased 5.3 percent from the previous year, totaling $179,964.
Another major discussion item involved a roofing project at the elementary school. Following revisions to the bid specifications, Top Quality submitted the lowest bid at $265,500, with an optional 30-year warranty bringing the total recommended project cost to $294,600. Awarding the bid was tabled pending reference checks.
Several personnel changes were included on the agenda. The board recognized resignations from math teacher Katie Hardeman, elementary teacher Adam Snively, paraprofessionals Amber Hunter and Demarcus Bond, along with the retirement of longtime high school softball coach Greg Streeval and elementary staff member Noelle Prince after serving the district for 20 years.
Streeval’s retirement marked the end of a 28-year coaching career at Meridian. During the athletic director’s report, school officials highlighted a community celebration held earlier this month honoring Streeval’s impact on student-athletes and the softball program. Officials noted that one of his proudest accomplishments was the number of athletes who continued playing at the collegiate level.
Spring athletics continued to provide excitement for Meridian students. The high school softball team entered postseason play with a 19-7 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the Class 1A Leroy Sectional. Meanwhile, the girls soccer team recorded the best season in school history, surpassing the previous school record for wins with 15 victories.
Middle and high school students were also recognized for academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Meridian Middle School recently hosted its first Career Fair featuring 21 career booths and a keynote presentation from business owner and military veteran Matthew Trimble. Students participated in interactive conversations about future careers and workforce opportunities.
At the high school level, more than $67,000 in local scholarship funds were awarded during the annual Academic Awards Program. Senior Daniel Enlow was inducted into the National Honor Society, while Furie Fringer and Carson Ryan received top music honors during the spring band concert.
Elementary students participated in a variety of educational field trips throughout April and May, including visits to Springfield historical sites, the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal, and the Griswold Conservation Area in Blue Mound through state-funded grant opportunities.
District administrators also highlighted ongoing curriculum alignment work, social-emotional learning initiatives, and professional development planning for the upcoming school year. Staff surveys identified wellness training, reading strategies, and classroom management as top priorities for future professional development.
The board also approved the following personnel items for the 26-27 school year: Amber Allison (MS math), Lydia Hays (fifth grade), Ashley Stevenson (fourth grade), and Abby Stevens (MS cheer coach). Additionally, a three year contract was approved for middle school principal, Mindy McGuire.
The next regular meeting of the Meridian Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, June 22, at the district office.