Tough call: Dist. 300 math teacher and coach Gabe Sveda going to Christopher
The Du Quoin Board of Education has accepted the resignation of eight-year Du Quoin High School math instructor and head basketball coach Gabe Sveda, who recently made the decision to accept a teaching position at his hometown Christopher High School.
Coaching is about knowing the game, taking chances and good outcomes. But, Sveda said on Friday that leaving the Du Quoin High School was a tough call.
He returns to his hometown to fill the vacancy of the math instructor--Forrest Moreland--who taught him the five math classes he took as a student at Christopher High School.
"No. 1, I have loved every minute of being in Du Quoin. I wasn't looking to leave. This was not easy," he said.
"You kind of want to go back and be a teacher around the people who inspired you," he said. "It's a chance to go back to your hometown. I have a lot of family there. That includes wife Alechia and children Colin, 9, and Landon, 5.
"I have been in Du Quoin eight years. I coached five years under Mike Crews and three as head coach," he said.
His record was 48 wins and 40 losses. Sveda came to Du Quoin from Weber Township High School six miles outside of Mount Vernon. When he was hired by Du Quoin, he was in the middle of a basketball season that got Weber to sectionals. He also had a baseball season in front of him.
Sveda described the interest of parents and students to learn in Du Quoin as "contagious. He teaches algebra II and geometry.
He thanks longtime coaching colleague Keith Ellis and other staff members for the opportunities while working here. "They gave me a chance."
In other action:
The board will hold a special reorganization meeting Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. to seat newly elected board member Dennis Cole and to extend its appreciation to longtime member Joe Day.
The board approved the renewal of COPE alternative school agreement with the Regional Office of Education.
The board adopted a resolutions to abate property taxes relative to series 2010A bonds and series 2012 bonds.
The board approved the dates for annual FCA middle school camp.
Thursday, May 16, 2013 will be the last day of student attendance and Friday, May 17, 2013 being a teacher's institute day to end this school year.
The district architect gave an update on progress regarding the high school construction project. After discussion of submittals the board approved the payment of bills for the project; approved items relative to the football and track area (new security fencing on north side, new restroom area, renovation of concession area and needed maintenance of the press box area and the submittal of a maintenance matching grant application tied to life safety items to ISBE. Work is progressing on the front of the new school with completion expected in mid to late June.
The board approved (as recommended by the building principals) parent/student handbook changes and updates for 2013-2014 school year.
The superintendent shared thoughts on the district's on-going school security and safety considerations which were outlined in the newspaper's recent Progress Edition.
The board approved the administration to begin preparation of the 2013-2014 school year budget, to post budget hearing notice, and to seek bids for district cafeteria items and custodial supply items.
The board approved submittal of the district's summer food service program application to ISBE.
The board approved a request from the high school FBLA sponsor for four students to attend the national FBLA competition in Anaheim, Calif. The students qualified for this competition as a result of their state competition results.
The board accepted the resignations of Carolyn Sorrows and Lisa Coleman as high school National Honor Society co-sponsors effective at the end of this school year.
The board re-employed all support staff personnel for the 2013-2014 school year.
The board approved the transfer of the following to elementary teaching positions for 2013-2014 school year: Jan Weinberg to second grade and Patty Aue to third grade.
The board adjourned at 8:30 p.m.