NEWTON – The Jasper County Community Unit School District No. 1 Board of Education approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget, accepted several staff resignations and new hires, and received updates on ongoing construction projects during its regular meeting held June 22.
Following a public hearing with no comments, the board approved the FY26 Amended Budget after Superintendent Joe Sornberger reviewed the district’s financial plan.
During public comments, Jamie Martin addressed concerns regarding student behavior and its impact on classroom learning and teacher workload. Kristine Michels asked the board to review district policy concerning homeschooled students participating in extracurricular activities.
The board also acknowledged receiving four Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking employee information, purchasing records, and technology-related procurement documents.
Consent Agenda Approved
The board approved its consent agenda on a 6-1 vote, with Nichole Mulvey voting against the motion. The consent agenda included approval of previous meeting minutes, monthly bills and payroll, financial reports, volunteer coaching appointments, donations, surplus equipment, and the second reading of numerous PRESS policy updates.
Volunteer appointments included Riley Hart, Meyer Tarr, and Ryan Tracy as volunteer football assistants, Sydney Dobbins as Color Guard volunteer coach, and Jason Wagner as volunteer girls basketball coach.
The district also accepted numerous donations supporting student programs, including:
- $2,700 from the Newton Athletic Boosters and $500 from St. Thomas School toward a new high jump pit.
- $750 from the Newton Athletic Boosters for volleyball summer camps.
- Nearly $1,900 from the Newton Athletic Boosters for locker room and training room flooring.
- $3,600 from the Jasper County Music Boosters for Color Guard uniforms.
- $3,700 for new band performance tops.
- $2,055 for Color Guard flags.
- A $500 donation from the Jasper County Coon Hunters Association to the NCHS football program.
- $100 from Modern Woodmen Fraternal for Newton Elementary teachers.
The board also acknowledged several memorial donations made to the Automotive Department in memory of Ray Smith.
Construction Projects Continue
During his superintendent’s report, Sornberger updated the board on several summer construction projects.
HVAC units are being replaced in the 1999 addition at Newton Elementary School, while plumbing and restroom renovations continue at Newton Community High School.
Preparations for the new school year are underway in all district buildings as custodial and maintenance staff complete summer cleaning projects.
Construction also continues on the Newton Elementary addition. Foundation work is progressing along the south wall, existing water lines are being rerouted, gas lines are being relocated, and work has begun on the new north parking lot.
Additional Board Action
The board also approved:
- The FY26 amended budget.
- Registration fees for the 2026-27 school year.
- The 2026-27 Board of Education meeting schedule.
- An amended school calendar.
- An agreement with QHS Advisors regarding FCC licenses.
- The second reading and adoption of updated PRESS policy revisions.
Personnel Actions
Following executive session, the board approved contract renewals for district administrators Beth Probst, Jordan Leihser, Jessica Guzman, Jennifer Bales, and Ryan Klier for the 2026-27 school year.
The board also approved a salary adjustment for Luke Zuber.
Several resignations were accepted, including:
- Rebecca Kennedy, second-grade teacher at Newton Elementary.
- Callie Probst, NCHS art teacher.
- Darlene Walker, part-time Title teacher at Newton Elementary.
- Autumn Peddycoart, full-time substitute at Newton Elementary.
- David Murphy, Newton Elementary cook.
The board approved the hiring of Melissa Worrell as the new seventh- and eighth-grade Life Skills teacher at Jasper County Junior High for the 2026-27 school year.
Whitney Klier and Cassondra Gragert were hired as district paraprofessionals, and the board authorized advertising for a full-time substitute position at Newton Elementary.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Jasper County Unit 1 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Office, 1401 Clayton Avenue in Newton.
