Board adopts policy updates, names IASB representative and committee assignments; drops technology committee

The Effingham Unit 40 School Board approved a package of policy updates, named a representative to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) governing board and set members for standing committees. Policy adoption: The board approved final reading and adoption of multiple board policies as listed in the packet (policy numbers recited by staff). Board member Erica moved to adopt the listed policies and Board member Dasha seconded; the policies were approved by roll call. IASB representative: Board members nominated and approved Jane to serve as the district's IASB governing board representative for the 2025–26 school year. The board described the representative's duties as notifying members of events, encouraging participation and reporting division meeting activity to the board. Committee assignments and structure: The board confirmed committee assignments for Facilities and Transportation (Jane and Dasha, with Chad as alternate); Curriculum (Board Chair K. and Andrew Altman, with Jane as alternate); and HR/Athletics (Chad and Brandon, with Erica as alternate). Board members discussed dropping the technology committee; staff said technology updates will still be provided at regular meetings or on request and the board agreed to set committee meeting frequency (three per year, with additional meetings as needed). Other items: The board received an annual intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Effingham Library for continuing library access for district employees; staff said the IGA provides library-card benefits for employees and requires no board action. The board also approved the hazardous bus-route resolution for 2025–26, the treasurer bond agreement (annual renewal, small premium increase), and designated several banks as authorized depositories/investment managers after those institutions provided required documents. Formal motions: Policy adoption (motion by Erica, second Dasha) approved; Jane's appointment to the IASB governing board (motion by Chad, second Bridal) approved; committee assignments (motion by Andrew Altman, second Chad Thompson) approved; hazardous route resolution (motion by Andrew Altman, second Chad Thompson) approved; treasurer bond agreement (motion by Erica, second Dasha) approved; authorization of Midland States Bank, Diederich/Dietrich Bank, First Mid and First Financial as qualified depositories (motion by Erica, second Andrew Altman) approved.