Meridian Community Unit School District #15 is preparing for the 2026–2027 school year with staff working across the district to ensure buildings, classrooms, and programs are ready for students. The Meridian Board of Education reviewed preparations and received administrative updates during its regular meeting on August 10.
One of the primary areas of focus continues to be the transition of Meridian Elementary School students to the former Stonington Elementary School building. Staff have been working to prepare the temporary facility ahead of the first day of student attendance on August 18.
Teachers have begun moving into their classrooms, unpacking instructional materials and organizing learning spaces. District maintenance and custodial staff have also shifted their attention to Stonington, assisting with cleaning, moving furniture and equipment, removing unneeded items and completing maintenance projects. The elementary staff described the effort as an “all hands on deck” approach, with employees and community volunteers working together to create a welcoming and student-centered environment.
The district will host a Community Open House at the Stonington facility on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. The event will give community members an opportunity to tour the building, see the work that has been completed and learn more about how the facility has been transformed to support students and staff. Meridian Elementary will then host its annual Meet the Teacher Night on Monday, August 17, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. Families will be able to meet teachers, visit classrooms and become familiar with the new building before students arrive.
Enrollment across the district has increased. Meridian Elementary reported projected enrollment of 429 students, including 75 Pre-K students and 354 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Meridian Middle School reported projected enrollment of 199 students.At the high school, preliminary registration number is 259.
Academic and student-support preparations are underway as well. District curriculum staff participated in new teacher orientation and are working with incoming staff on curriculum maps and instructional processes. Universal screenings using IXL, AIMSwebPlus and BASC-3 BESS are scheduled to begin the school year, providing information on students’ academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs. Staff professional development will also include Dyslexia Simulation and ELN training in September. Special education staff have been working with building administrators and MPSED to review student caseloads, service needs and staffing for the upcoming school year. s.
Athletic programs are also preparing for a busy fall. Middle School Softball began with 17 players, while Middle School Baseball finalized a roster of 21 players. High School Football began the week with 28 players, and volleyball, golf, soccer and cheer practices were scheduled to begin August 10 and 11.
Facilities and maintenance work has continued throughout the district. The Macon campus is nearly ready for the start of school, while crews continue assisting with preparations at Stonington. The final repair on the high school gym rooftop unit was completed, and HVAC systems at Macon are reported to be operating well. Fire and sprinkler inspections were also completed at the Macon and Blue Mound buildings. Gym lighting work continues following delays caused by the recent storm.
At the high school, an American flag purchased through a Decatur Memorial grant has been installed in the gymnasium, with electrical work continuing. The uniform storage room is also being upgraded with stronger hanger systems and additional shelving to improve organization and management of athletic uniforms. A budget hearing is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.
Other items on the August agenda included handbook revisions, a facility request for the annual Post Prom event, authorization to pay regular August bills received after the meeting and upcoming policy work. The board took action to employ Heather Strissel as a paraprofessional at MES.
With the first day of student attendance scheduled for August 18, teachers, administrators, maintenance staff and support personnel are continuing their final preparations. The district’s focus remains on providing students with a smooth transition into the new school year while maintaining strong academic, extracurricular and student-support programs.
The next regular Meridian Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian District Office.