La Harpe CSD #347

La Harpe School Board Tables Cafeteria Addition Bid Amid Concerns Over Lowest Bidder

The La Harpe Board of Education convened its regular meeting on December 16, 2025, in the board room. President Dustin Detherage called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board members present included Dana Blythe, Joni Dowell, Leandra Deitrich, Chad Burt, and Detherage. Josh Gebhardt and Josh Walker were absent. 

Superintendent Dr. Janet Gladu and Principal Ryan Hopper attended, along with visitors Jacques Reynolds of Architechnics, Finance Manager Laura Jones, and Jerry Maas of Maas Construction. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence. No public comments were offered. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda. Items included the meeting agenda, minutes from the November 18, 2025 regular meeting, financial reports and individual fund balances, payment of bills, deletion of verbatim closed session records older than 18 months, FOIA requests, and acceptance of Principal Ryan Hopper’s resignation as Transportation Director effective June 30, 2026.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the cafeteria addition and related improvements project at La Harpe Elementary School.

Jacques Reynolds of Architechnics presented the bid results, identifying Maas Construction of Quincy, Illinois, as the lowest responsible bidder after evaluation of unit prices, alternate bids, and required allowances. Architechnics recommended awarding the contract to Maas, confirming that all bidders met the necessary requirements. Board members raised several concerns during discussion, including the precise meaning of “lowest responsible bidder,” an ongoing lawsuit between Maas Construction and Quincy Public School District #17 involving alleged issues with HVAC work, a letter received from the Carpenter’s Council, and potential subcontractor involvement (specifically Peter’s). 

Maas addressed the questions within his ability to do so and stated that, if selected, his company would use a different subcontractor from Peter’s. The board also compared pricing between Maas and the next-lowest bidder, Laverdiere, and expressed reservations about proceeding. Reynolds advised the board that location alone is not valid grounds to reject the lowest bid and recommended consulting district legal counsel and contacting references if the board chose not to accept the low bid. Maas indicated that, if awarded, construction could begin by March 2026. No action was taken on the bid award; the board voted unanimously to table the item pending further review and clarification.

Superintendent Gladu presented information on implementing a 2-hour delay start option for emergency (snow) days. She explained that this would be used sparingly and only with ample advance notice to families the night before. The item was discussion only with no action taken. The board approved updates to board policy as recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards Press Plus Service in a unanimous 5-0 vote. Similarly, the board approved midyear updates to the 2025-2026 Student Handbook to align with current legislative and policy changes, following the Illinois Principals Association model, also in a unanimously vote.

Finance Manager Laura Jones discussed options for placing Series 2025 General Obligation Bond proceeds in a CDARS account to earn interest, 3.45% on a 13-week deposit and 3.4% on a 26-week deposit. Because CDARS accounts are contractual, board approval is required. The board scheduled a special meeting for December 22, 2025, to consider opening the account. Superintendent Gladu also shared the updated bond payment schedule provided by Financial Manager Tim King. This item was discussion only.

To ensure compliance with National School Lunch Program requirements ahead of a Spring 2026 review, Superintendent Gladu recommended increasing adult meal prices, which had remained unchanged for four years. Effective January 5, adult breakfast will cost $3.00 and lunch $4.45, aligning with Illinois State Board of Education minimums. The board approved this adjustment unanimously.

Superintendent Gladu proposed a student activities and athletics meal allowance procedure of $40 per day, with maximums of $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, and $15 for dinner. The board requested the addition of specific timeframes before final approval. No action was taken.

Board President Detherage reported on a banner printer observed at the Triple I conference in Chicago and led discussion about potential purchase options. Superintendent Gladu recognized Aubrey Porter as the November Team Member of the Month and announced that the district had received a $6,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation to support the La Harpe Dinner Project.

At 7:26 p.m., the board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) (appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees) and review of closed session minutes. The board returned to open session at 7:31 p.m.

In open session, the board approved closed session minutes from July 15, 2025, and August 5, 2025, hired Rebecca Huston as substitute assistant volleyball coach for the 2025-2026 season, and hired Sharon Berlett as a certified teacher.

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. This information was taken from the December 16 minutes approved at the January 20 regular meeting. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17.