DHS going back to school through the front entrance

Du Quoin High School students are expected to be able to go back to class in mid-August through the front door instead of the side door, according to construction updates being given to the school district. Current work includes finishing the installation of sidewalks and curbs, compacting the parking lot surface to receive rock and asphalt, installing guttering, finishing the interior and laying tile and carpeting.

All told, the building will be largely be finished by the end of the first week in August with a public dedication in mid-fall. "The big project will be to build a new curb along East South Street," said Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly. The district will hold an auction of surplus items in the district in late August that will include taking bids on a utility trailer that sits beneath the football stadium next to concession stand and a reel mower used to mow the old grass football field.

The board accepted the resignation of Celena Lowes as high school nurse/health occupations teacher effective at the end of the contract year. The board employed Brenda Ridgeway as a high school cook for the 2013-2014 school year. The board approved the fall extra-curricular volunteer lists as submitted by the district athletic directors. The board approved a three-year agreement with Emling and Hoffman, P.C to provide audits for the district. First year costs would be $9,250 with a $150 increase in each of the second and third years. The board approved a dual credit agreement with John A. Logan College.