Altamont School Board Discusses Pay for Sports Officials

BY MARK HOSKINS

Among several items of business during the March 9 meeting, the Altamont Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education considered a pay increase for officials, working games at both the grade school and high school.

The proposed increase in pay for officials would keep Altamont closer in pay to what other area schools are currently paying for officials. This would mean an increase in pay of between 10-20%.

Activities Director Katie Lurkins suggested making the new pay rate a three year agreement. “I feel its fair for how we contract officials to give young refs a start at the junior high level. It’s possible that a year from now, it proves to not be enough of an increase, but I think it’s good for now,” said Lurkins.

ACHS Principal Peggy Bueker stated that although pay may be a little less in Altamont, many officials will still work here. “I think we do a great job treating refs well. We give them preferential parking and various perks. We even provide a police escort if they need it. I think many of them really like working here,” said Bueker.

The pay increase will vary depending on the sport. But just for girls’ basketball at ACHS, the total cost for officials this past year was $3795. With the new pay rate for officials, it will cost the district $4950 next year if the school hosts the same number of games.

At the beginning of the meeting, the school board heard from four senior students were recently participated in the Academic Challenge Competition at Lakeland College. Altamont finished third in their division overall. The students that participated were Kaylee Lurkins, Hope Roedl, Riley Rippetoe, and Brock Wendling, with Mrs. Katie Bauer serving as the school’s sponsor.

In old business, the board approved the purchase of new curriculum purchases for high school biology, high school earth science, kindergarten through 2^nd grade phonics, and weight training. All the new purchases were recommended by the curriculum committee. The purchases come at a total cost of $14,921.

The board approved the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year. School will start the third week of August with teacher returning on Monday and students on Tuesday. There will once again be a half day prior to Thanksgiving break, but there will be a slightly shorter Christmas break with students returning to class on January 5. Students will be in school for Casimir Pulaski Day. The last day of class will be May 19, 2027 if no snow days are used.

In new business, the board approved an early graduation request for December of 2026 as well as they approved a leave of absence for a district employee.

Superintendent Casey Adam was approved by the board to prepare the tentative budget for fiscal year 2027.

The board approved an overnight trip request for the ACHS student council to attend a state convention in Springfield next month.

Many personnel moves were approved by the board including six resignations.

Sue Poe submitted her resignation as the district librarian after many years of service to the Altamont school district.

Shelby Sasse resigned as the JV volleyball coach, as did Branden Wright who was the varsity volleyball coach. Elizabeth Anderson resigned as the 7^th grade volleyball coach and Tim Miller resigned as junior high baseball coach, although he will remain a volunteer with the team. Megan Burrus submitted her resignation as the junior high softball coach.

Many new hires were approved as well: Rachel Hammer (7^th grade basketball coach), Amy Dial (8^th grade girls basketball coach), Kaleb Hankins (junior high baseball coach), Angela Tkachuk (AGS music teacher), Nicole LeCrone (AGS art teacher, pending certification), Allison Schmidt (junior high ELA, pending certification), and Jayme Mefford (Pre-K teacher).

The board also accepted an irrevocable letter of retirement from Lori Grimsley, effective at the end of the 2028-2029 school year.

The next Altamont Board of Education meeting will be held on April 13 at 7 p.m.