BOE Meeting

During the regular meeting of the Staunton CUSD #6 Board of Education held on Monday, September 23, the budget for the 2019-2020 school year was approved. For the first time in over 14 years the District begins the year with an approved budget that is balanced with operating fund revenue totaling $10,973,136 and expenditures totaling $10,844,844. "Evidence Based Funding is working," said Superintendent Dan Cox "we are now not only having conversations about what we can do, but we are able to also take actions that drive resources where they will have the greatest impact on student learning." Since the start of Evidence Based Funding in 2017 District #6 schools have moved from 58% adequacy to 61% adequacy. Adequacy is defined as the resources needed to provide an adequate education for all students. Superintendent Cox noted, "while moving up in adequacy by only 3% may not seem like a great deal, it has allowed us to to add 15 instructional employees (11 teachers, 4 paraprofessionals), reduce class size, provide academic and behavioral interventions as well as social emotional supports for our students." Additionally, Staunton schools have experienced increases in areas such as family and community engagement, schools safety, instructional resources, and multi-tiered systems of supports in recent years. "This is all great news but we have a long way to go to get our schools to adequacy," Cox added. "I encourage our lawmakers to keep the momentum going and to keep school funding a top priority." The District Budget and Budget at a Glance documents are posted to the District website. 

In other significant action the Board appointed Dr. Poonam Jain to the vacant seat on the Board of Education as a result of the resignation of member Scott Skertich. Dr. Jain brings with her a wealth of experience that will be valuable to the Board of Education and District. 

Another significant member was added to the Board of Education as the Board approved SHS Senior Hollie Bekeske as the first Student Advisory Member. It is the the desire of the Board of Education to increase student representation and voice in the District decision making process. As a student member Bekeske will receive all access to board communications such as weekly reports, meeting packets, information and updates less closed session materials. Student board members serve in an advisory capacity only and are not allowed to vote. 

To learn more about these and other items please see the summary of minutes on the District Website.