1.8% increase for school administrators in Dist. 300

The Du Quoin Board of Education Tuesday night settled on a an average 1.8 percent increase over three years for Du Quoin District 300 school administrators.

The board adopted an administrative salary schedule that increases administrator pay by $1,600 in the first year, $1,500 in the second year and $1,400 in the third year.

The board had previously negotiated contracts for elementary principal Peg Pursell and Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly. Tuesday's pay hike covers DMS principal Aaron Hill, DHS principal and assistant Matt Hickam and Jeff Gossett, business manager Cory Robbins and 21st Century coordinator Dianna Rea.

The board employed Jessica Craig as a third grade elementary teacher for the 2013-2014 school year and Kyle Geiger as an elementary school Dean of Students for the 2013-2014 school year.

The board employed the following to extra-curricular positions for the new school year. Elementary CAP team co-co-ordinator is Erica Cowan. DHS National Honor Society co-sponsors are Leah Winter and Anthony Baker. Freshman class co-sponsors are Denise Woodsides and Eric Kirkpatrick. DHS head volleyball coach is Jo C. Dill.

The board accepted with regret the retirement of Crystal Rhoades as an elementary teacher effective May 17 , 2013.

The board accepted the resignation of Sarah Geiger as Du Quoin High School Youth and Government sponsor effective immediately.

The board granted Dacia Harsy a maternity leave of absence request. The leave will begin August 14, 2013 with a return date of January 6, 20143.

All board members were present and the 4:30 p.m. meeting opened with a brief discussion by DEA president Jean Ann Mathis regarding leaves of absence.The board went into executive session at 4:52 p.m. and didn't come out of that session until 6:20 p.m.

After decisions on the personnel issues, Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly discussed the process of developing a strategic plan. Work has also begun on next year's budget.