Following is a summary of minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Education of Jasper County Community Unit School District No. 1 held on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 in the office of the Board of Education. Board members present were Mr. Brady Shull, Mr. David Blecha, Mrs. Jackie Schackmann, Mr. Evan Semple, and Mrs. Mandi Utley. Board members absent were Mrs. Mandy Rieman and Mrs. Nichole Mulvey.
All votes are considered unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Brady Shull called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Approval to Adopt the Agenda.
Brady asked for Recognition of Guests and Public Comments. Kristy Michels spoke about facts and concerns regarding cell phone usage during school.
The District received two FOIA Requests. FOIA request #1, from CT Mills, requested Purchasing and Contract Approval Policy Thresholds. FOIA request #2, from Michael Henry, requested documentation of all background checks for Board Members from January 1, 2019 forward.
Approval of Consent Agenda as presented.
Regular Minutes and Closed Session Minutes from January 20, 2026,
Bills and Payroll,
Presentment of monthly financial reports,
Grant Tarr as a volunteer for Bass Fishing Team,
Brad Horner and Jarrett Tharp as volunteers for FFA,
Kristin Radke, Melyssa Borgic, and Ben Borgic as volunteers for the JCCU#1 Mentoring Program at NES,
$278.50 from Newton Athletic Boosters to Athletic Donations for baseball pants,
$147.20 from Athletic Boosters to Athletic Donations for cheer state shirts,
$100 from Nicholas and Nicole Diel for the musical,
$2,000 from Anonymous Donations to NCHS Boys Track,
$2,000 from Anonymous Donations to Girls Track
$2,000 from Anonymous Donations to NCHS Softball,
$2,000 from Anonymous Donations to NCHS Baseball,
$1,300 from Schumacher Orth to Jasper County Schools,
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Sornberger reported to the Board on winter weather closing procedures for the week of January 26, 2026. The Board also discussed policies for extracurricular activity during school closing. The Board is invited to the IASB Division Meeting on March 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in Casey, Illinois.
Approval of a Co-op with St. Thomas for Cross Country, Girls Basketball, and Girls Softball for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Years.
Approval to Amend the 2025-2026 School Calendar.
Approval of an increase in JCJH Official pay for the 2026-2027 School Year.
Approval to enter executive session at 7:04 p.m. for 1.5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) – To Consider Information Regarding Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Performance or Dismissal of Individual; 1.5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(9)- Student disciplinary cases; 1.5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) -Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Approval to return to open session at 7:33 p.m.
Approval of Expulsion of student #2026-01 for a period of two years.
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing and Directing Robbin Schwartz to File an Assessment Complaint regarding Newton Power Station.
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Intervention in Proceedings before the Jasper County Board of Review and Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board by legal counsel.
Approval to accept the resignation from John Lidy as the NCHS Biology/Ag Teacher effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Approval to accept the resignation from John Lidy as an Assistant NCHS Football Coach and as an Assistant FFA Advisor at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Approval to accept the resignation from Scott Larson as a NES cook effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Approval to hire Lori Zumbahlen as a NCHS Special Education teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.
Approval to post a NCHS Assistant Football Coach Position.
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Office located at 1401 Clayton Avenue.
