The Jasper County Community Unit School District No. 1 Board of Education approved the district’s FY 2027 budget, received an update on the Newton Elementary School building addition and extended Superintendent Joe Sornberger’s contract through the 2029-2030 school year during its regular meeting Monday, September 21.
All seven board members were present for the meeting: Brady Shull, David Blecha, Jackie Schackmann, Mandy Rieman, Evan Semple, Nichole Mulvey and Mandi Utley.
FY 2027 Budget Approved
Prior to the regular meeting, the board concluded its FY 2026 budget hearing. The tentative FY 2027 budget had been available for public inspection at the district office for the previous 30 days. No members of the public provided comments or testimony.
Joe Sornberger presented the FY 2027 budget, noting that the district ended the previous fiscal year in good financial standing. Revenues exceeded budgeted projections while expenditures came in below anticipated levels, resulting in surpluses in both the Education Fund and Operations & Maintenance Fund.
The Transportation Fund is projected to balance during FY 2027, provided the district receives all anticipated state revenues.
The district is also expecting significant expenses in the Operations & Maintenance and Capital Funds related to the Newton Elementary School building addition, which is currently anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.
The Education Fund is projected to operate at a deficit during FY 2027. District officials said revenues and expenditures will be closely monitored throughout the year, while opportunities to manage expenses and improve the fund’s financial position will continue to be evaluated with the goal of ending the fiscal year without a deficit.
The board ultimately approved the FY 2027 budget.
NES Building Addition Continues
During the superintendent’s report, Sornberger provided an update on projects completed during the summer and construction currently underway throughout the district.
At Newton Community High School, flooring improvements were completed in an agriculture classroom. The band room received new ceiling and lighting, while the boys’ restroom renovation was completed before the start of the school year.
Sornberger noted that the band and chorus rooms have undergone complete renovations over the past two years. Hallway flooring near the boys’ restroom at NCHS is scheduled to be completed during Christmas break.
At Newton Elementary School, rooftop HVAC units serving the 1999 addition were replaced. The district has made significant HVAC upgrades at both NES and NCHS over the past three years.
Construction on the NES building addition also continued throughout the summer. Dirt work has been completed, along with construction of a new driveway and parking lot on the northeast corner of the NES property.
The new parking lot will be completed before the building addition opens. The area is currently being used as a construction staging area.
The concrete slab for the addition was completed in August, and blockwork is now underway.
According to the district’s construction timeline, the cafeteria and north classrooms are scheduled to be completed this week. Blockwork on the south side of the building is expected to be completed by October 19.
Structural steel work for the roof is expected to begin shortly afterward, followed by installation of the roofing.
The building addition is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.
Board Approves New York City Music Trip
The board approved a Music Department trip to New York City for the summer of 2028.
The motion passed 6-1, with Mandy Utley, Brady Shull, David Blecha, Mandy Rieman, Evan Semple and Nichole Mulvey voting in favor. Jackie Schackmann voted against the motion.
The board also approved the FY 2027 FFA Alumni and JCCU1 agreement and an updated Wellness Policy for the 2026-2027 school year.
Superintendent Contract Extended
Following a brief executive session, the board approved a contract extension for Superintendent Joe Sornberger through the 2029-2030 school year.
The board also approved the hiring of Kendra Chappell as a cook at Newton Elementary School, effective immediately.
Donations and Grants Approved
The board approved several donations and grants during the consent agenda portion of the meeting.
Among them were:
- $2,000 from The Orell Farley Foundation for the R.E.A.D. Program.
- $10,000 from the Orell Farley Foundation for the Benefactors Activity Account to purchase a projector.
- $724 from First Bank of Olney through its debit card rewards program.
- $2,100 from Newton Athletic Boosters to the soccer team for its Hudl subscription.
- $800 each from Dieterich Bank and Sarah Bush Lincoln Newton Clinic for the football scoreboard.
- $800 from Personal Service Realty/Rauchs Jewelry for the football scoreboard.
- $1,000 each from Barlow Lock & Security, Rex Vault & Mausoleum Service, 707 Solutions, Peoples State Bank and Jared Wagner Construction (The Nest) for the football scoreboard.
- $500 from the Jasper County Dairy Herd Improvement Association to the Newton FFA Chapter.
- $999 from the Maxine E. Spitler Grant and $999 from the Orell Farley Grant for Strong Girls & Boys t-shirts and lesson materials.
- $842.15 from the Barbra & Cloyce Johnson Grant for Newton Elementary School supplies and materials.
The board also declared the auditorium light board at NCHS surplus.
FOIA Requests Received
The district reported receiving four Freedom of Information Act requests.
Jeffrey Moos requested copies of collective bargaining agreements and information regarding health insurance contributions for bargaining unit employees.
CT Mills requested existing records identifying district-issued direct work telephone numbers, direct dial lines or work extensions for employees currently serving in the district’s Central Office/District Administration Office.
Sheri Reid, on behalf of SmartProcure, submitted a quarterly request for district expenditure records from June 9, 2026, through the present.
Justin Wenig requested existing electronic records maintained by the district reflecting payment records for all vendor entities, including companies, organizations, contractors and other non-person payees, from January 1, 2026, through the present.
Board Approves Policy Updates
The board approved the second reading of several Press Plus policy updates, including policies dealing with public participation at school board meetings, communicable and chronic infectious disease, religious holidays, suspension, teaching about religions and controversial issues, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, student rights and responsibilities, equal access to school buildings, community connections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
The board also approved policies undergoing the required five-year review, including policies concerning school district elections, the superintendent and other administrative personnel, food service, convicted child sex offender screening and notifications, family and medical leave, grading and promotion, student assignment, release time for religious instruction, student data privacy and relations with other organizations and agencies.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Jasper County Community Unit School District No. 1 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Office, 1401 Clayton Avenue.
