New school board officials and new leadership took the helm at the May 8, Special Peotone 207U Board meeting.
Public commenter Jim Bowden repeated his pitch about the wasted money on the proposed sports complex; encouraging the board to cancel the bonds.
Commenter Mickey Modolo also told the board that nothing in the high school media center could be heard beyond the first row and suggested the board invest in microphones and speakers.
After public comment, new board members, Ashley Stachniak and Mark Jones, along with incumbent Tim Stoub were sworn in. The adjournment of the previous board was conducted by President pro-tem Rick Uthe. Outgoing Board President, Tara Robinson was not present.
When the nominations for Board President were made, it was clear there was division.
Board member Jennifer Moe nominated Rick Uthe for President. Uthe has been quiet, mostly voting with the majority.
New board member Mark Jones jumped right in and nominated newly reelected board member Tim Stoub who has been vocal about his disagreements with many school board decisions; often being the only one to question or vote no.
Jones had no trouble asking each nominee to share their vision for the district. Uthe immediately said “not at this time” with no further explanation. Stoub on the other hand retorted, “I think the oath lays did a pretty good job of laying out the vision. I think academics are of the utmost importance. I think leading this district with this in mind supported by sustainability is equally important. I think to have everything we can do within the power that the taxpayers give us to do, within the resources that they give us, is the charge before us. Essentially, my vision would be to execute on that.”
Uthe put himself up first for the vote and board members Jodi Becker, Jennifer Moe, Uthe, and Dawn Love all voted for Uthe, giving him the majority.
Jones then nominated Tim Stoub for Vice President, Jennifer Moe nominated Dawn Love, and Tim Stoub nominated Mark Jones. Uthe offered nominees an opportunity to speak and Jones didn’t hesitate.
“I think during this campaign, and as a recent student, I’ve learned a lot about the school district. Im grateful for the opportunity to be a voting member and have a voice that sometimes other people would like to have and aren’t given that opportunity. The teachers, staff, and students in this district are all exemplary in their field and we have to try to be the best center of education excellence in Illinois. I’m optimistic we can make that change,” said Jones
Stoub followed by encouraging the board to vote for Mark Jones. He said, “I think Mark has a lot to offer in terms of working with a collaborative approach. I think that if anyone here at this table didn’t know something, Mark would be the first to admit that he didn’t know something and he would be the first to reach out and collaborate. For that reason, I’d like to encourage the board to vote for him.”
No other commentary was made and then Uthe presented Dawn Love for Vice President first and a repeat vote was made with board members Becker, Moe, Uthe, and Love all voting the same and giving Love the majority for Vice President.
Then Dawn Love nominated Jennifer Moe for Secretary. Jones nominated Ashley Stachniak.
Stachniak addressed the public, “the newly elected board members are striving and pushing for change. That’s something that has resonated among the public comments for the last many years. It’s my hope that we can collaborate with existing board members along with us new board members to promote positive change in academics and culture.”
Moe responded as well, “I’d just say that as I sat up here for 14 years, my goal has always been excellence in education and that will continue. I too look for change and excitement about the future and raising that bar higher and higher and exceeding those goals that we set. As a community, as a school, for our students for our staff, just as a whole.”
Then Uthe presented Moe for secretary, and again Becker, Moe, Uthe, and Love voted for Moe.
The meeting dates were approved for the remainder of 2025, after Stoub reminded Uthe to call for a roll call.
Uthe discussed moving to a Committee of the Whole meeting that would allow all members of the board to gather and discuss all matters openly without making formal decisions or passing motions.
Uthe said that a finance committee meeting needs to be held in the next week or so. Uthe then suggested that meetings be held at 2 p.m. Stoub inquired what the rush was for finance and Superintendent Brandon Owens said there were some topics that need addressing such as lunch prices and treasurer. Stoub further inquired what the threshold of dollars spent that goes to committee of the whole, and what’s the history for the finance committee. Business manager said the policy was updated from $10,000 to $17,500; meaning $17,500 the Business Manager and Superintendent have the authority to spend $17,500 without board approval.
Jones inquired if there would be two meetings a month. Owens said it could be more but the goal is to cover all components in the meeting.
Stoub said 2 p.m. wouldn’t work for him and Jones agreed. “The same for residents as it would be an open meeting. Those residents that work would not be able to attend the open meeting. I understand there’s minutes but I think it’s beneficial to create a time for everyone especially us.”
The Vedette inquired if Committee of the Whole meetings would also be live streamed and Owens said they would look into it.