With winter almost behind us, Du Quoin Board of Education sets graduation dates

With winter almost behind us, the Du Quoin Board of Education Thursday set 2014 commencement dates for the Du Quoin High School and middle school.

The promotion ceremony for DMS 8th graders will be Friday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. The DHS commencement will be Saturday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. Both will be at the fairgrounds.

The board and DEA are also considering a total of four options on the 2014-2015 school calendar. We will publish those dates when approved.

The district is in receipt of a $247,000 state energy grant which will be used at the middle school for upgrades. The district is applying for a second grant valued at $50,000.

21st Century program coordinator updated the board on school improvement progress.

The board awarded a grounds mowing contract to Jeromie Morgan of Morgan's Mowing for the coming year. The district spends an average of $20,000 to keep properties mowed and groomed.

The board hired a middle school science teacher and three extracurricular staff members.

The board will also apply to the Illinois office of education to have one snow day declared an Act of God day.

The newspaper will report on an executive session to fill a science vacancy and three extracurricular positions in Monday's edition.