Superintendent Chuck Milem explained that the board first started these discussions in May of 2025 at a facilities retreat meeting, then had a walk-through of the Middle School in September 2025 to identify areas that needed improvement. After working with Estes Construction and Legat Architects for a Master Facilities Plan general scope and overview, the board voted at the March 2026 meeting to move forward with the gymnasium portion of the project, with an intent to have more discussions at the next meeting.
This month’s vote was to move forward with exploring the possibility of completing the entire project all at once, versus a phased approach. Board President Jason Norman noted that the board’s consensus last month was to go with the entire project at once due to potential cost savings, since having it in four phases would cost the district an extra $1.5 million in mobilization fees. Construction would be in the 2026-2027 school year, and completed in November 2027 for the 2027-2028 school year.
Milem said the next architect meeting is on April 30th, then they can create a Building & Grounds Committee to meet and discuss everything moving forward. The board voted in favor of the Middle School Master Facilities Plan as presented, with Keith Naftzger the only no vote. The Building & Grounds Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 11 a.m.
Recognition of Visitors
The board recognized high school wrestlers, freshman Rozlyn Mosher and senior Michelle Naftzger, who both qualified for State finals. Michelle is a 4-time state qualifier and 2-time state medalist and will be continuing her wrestling career at Grand View University in Des Moines. Athletic Director Brian Howell presented her with a letter from the State of Illinois Comptroller congratulating her.
Caleb Reymer was also recognized for a phenomenal season and amazing state tournament run and also received a letter from the State of Illinois Comptroller congratulating him on his successful season.
Mrs. Andrea McConnell recognized Erie High School’s poets and published authors: junior Mara Ary and freshman Trevin Kimmins were both published in the 2026 edition of Appelley Publishing. Senior Nova Cole was recognized for having two poems published, one in Appelley and one in the 2025 edition of The America Library of Poetry. Charlotte Stropes was also celebrated for publishing her book, Escape (The Hunt), which is available for purchase online at Amazon.com. Her book can also be found in the Erie Public Library and the Erie High School Library.
Administrative Reports
Milem expressed sympathies for the passing of former Superintendent, Mike Ryan, who retired in 2008 after leading the district for 13 years. Milem also expressed condolences for the passing of Marcia Miller, who was a coach for the district, subbed as a teacher, and was Mayor of Erie for over two decades.
The school board conference was discussed, with registration beginning June 1st. Graduation is quickly approaching, with commencement set for Sunday, May 17th at 2 p.m. The seniors’ last day will be Wednesday, May 12th and the rest of the district will finish on Friday, May 22nd with an early dismissal.
A tentative amended budget will be discussed at the May meeting, with the board to vote on it at the June meeting. The expense variance report was shared, highlighting that the district remains on track. CPPRT and 1% sales tax revenues were also shared.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the Consent Agenda as presented: March 23, 2026 Regular & Executive Session Meeting Minutes, Activity Accounts, Financial Reports, and Bills Payable & Purchase Orders. They also approved the Personnel Consent Agenda as presented:
Employment:
- Michelle Buri, Freshman Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 5, $1,957.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Erica Stralow, Freshman Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 4, $1,740.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Elizabeth Heppner, Sophomore Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 1, $1,087.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Jonathan Schlagheck, Sophomore Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 8 (off schedule), $2,121.45, effective August 10, 2026
- Emily Majeski, Junior Class Sponsor, Lane B/Year 6, $2,610.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Colin Mix, Junior Class Sponsor, Lane B/Year 4, $2,175.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Kerrie McDonnell Senior Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 6, $2,175.00, effective August 10, 2026
- DeAnna Schindel, Senior Class Sponsor, Lane A/Year 6, $2,175.00, effective August 10, 2026
- Gracie Baldwin, 8th Grade Volleyball Coach, Lane F/Year 6, $4,785.00, effective the start of the 2026-2027 season
- Connor Sibley, 5th/6th Grade Football Coach, Lane F/Year 0, $3,480.00 effective the start of the 2026-2027 season
- Amanda Abbott, Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Lane J/Year 7, $8,917.00 effective the start of the 2026-2027 season
- Lindsey Milem, F/S Volleyball Coach, effective the start of the 2026-2027 season, paid by Prophetstown.
- Matt Dail, Assistant Boys Golf Coach, Lane E/Year 0, $3,045.00 effective the start of the 2026-2027 season
Resignations:
- Tiffany Garcea, Middle School Cross-Country Coach, Middle School, Quizbowl Coach, and Middle School Cheerleading Coach, effective immediately
- Sydney Schwartz, 6th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, effective immediately
- Chase Chappell, 6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, effective immediately
- Kate Leihsing, Music/Play Director, effective immediately
- Madison Jepson, Elementary Paraprofessional, effective the end of the 2025-2026 school year
- Lori Decker, Panther Kids Coordinator, effective May 22, 2026
Leave Requests:
- Kerrie McDonnell, FMLA request, effective August 10, 2026 – September 8, 2026
Action Items
The board approved the Schoolwide Title I Plan & Schoolwide Title I Waiver, with Milem explaining that these items are voted on every year to allow use of Title I funds for all students. They also approved the Title I Consolidated District Plan as presented, as well as the annual IHSA renewal, IESA registration/renewal, and an MOU between the Erie Teachers Association (ETA) and the Board of Education.
Milem asked the board members to start looking through the large batch of policy changes, with a vote scheduled for the next meeting. Norman reported that the district received FOIA requests and responded in a timely manner:
- Star Bridge FOIA Data Hub
- Michael F. Henry
- Data Branch USA
The board next went into Executive Session, with no action upon their return. The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be on Monday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Media Center.
