La Harpe CSD #347

La Harpe Board Approves Next Year’s Calendar, Rehires Coaches

The La Harpe Community School District Board of Education held its regular meeting on February 17. Board President Dustin Detherage called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Present for roll call were board members Dana Blythe, Joni Dowell, Chad Burt, Detherage,  Josh Gebhardt, and Leandra Deitrich. Superintendent Dr. Gladu, Principal Ryan Hopper, and Board Secretary Liz McCarter were also in attendance. One visitor, Laura Jones, was present.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence. No public comments were received.

The board reviewed financial reports and individual fund balances for FY 2026. Key balances included the Education Fund at $2,354,201.84, the Building Fund at $288,285.43, Capital Projects at $4,000,000, and a total across all funds of $7,507,546.95. 

The board also reviewed a comparison of prior years, with FY 2025 totals at $3,588,430.55.

The consent agenda was approved by a 6-0 vote (with one member absent). 

It included approval of the January 20, 2026 minutes (tabled for amendment at the next meeting), financial reports, payment of bills, deletion of verbatim closed session records older than 18 months, FOIA requests, and acceptance of resignations from John Draw (effective February 9) and Kayla Gebhardt (effective February 12).

Dr. Gladu reported that staff had voted on five draft options, with Draft 4 emerging as the favorite. She noted that the Illinois West and Carthage calendars do not align with the district’s choice. The board approved the 2026-2027 public school calendar by a unanimous vote.

Dr. Gladu discussed board self-evaluation training options with the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) field representative.

The training, which typically lasts about three hours in closed session, was recommended by the district’s attorney. After discussion, the board scheduled a special meeting for March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for the training. The motion passed 5-1 (Deitrich voted no).

Principal Ryan Hopper highlighted the success of the Jump Rope for Heart event, which raised over $8,000 with help from Mrs. Pence and Mrs. Sholl. The Science Olympiad competition was February 21 at WIU. The PTO hosted an Art Festival on March 27 and Penny Wars was from March 9-13. 

A successful Junior High Dance was held on January 30, with Dallas City Junior High participating. 

In sports, the volleyball update showed the 7th grade team at 10-4 and the 8th grade at 1-13, with two home games scheduled next week, followed by post-season play.

There are no current issues with transportation. The district benefits from flexible drivers and substitutes.

Superintendent Dr. Gladu announced Jadrien VanFleet as Team Member of the Month. A building permit was issued on February 11 for ongoing projects. 

Several positions remain open, including Title I, Music, and Special Education, with limited applicants so far. The onsite solar project will see fence installation and electricians scheduled for next week. 

The QNS contract and farmland lease with Ryan Wilhite are both up for renewal next month.

The board entered closed session at 7:01 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. 

Upon returning, the following actions were approved unanimously (6-0): rehiring tenured certified staff members Courtney Painter, Rebecca Huston, and Aubrey Porter; rehiring Tori Taylor as a 2nd-year non-tenured certified staff member; rehiring Kevin Mershon as boys’ basketball head coach for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years; and rehiring Brittany Teesdale as head volleyball coach for the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. by voice vote. The minutes were signed by Board President Dustin Detherage and Board Secretary Liz McCarter, and approved on March 24.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.