The New Hope Grade School Board of Education met last Tuesday at New Hope School, addressing a variety of end-of-year items and planning for the upcoming school year.
Graduation at New Hope School is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, May 15th.
Board members approved the consolidated district plan and renewed the district’s membership with the Illinois Elementary School Association for the 2026–27 school year. The board also conducted a first reading of Board Policy Update Issue 121, set dates, times, and locations for future regular meetings, and appointed a representative to the WOVSED governing board.
Several upcoming spring events were also highlighted. A Vespers service will take place Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. at Center Street School. The spring concert is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th at 6 p.m. at New Hope School. The sports banquet will be held Wednesday, May 13th at 6 p.m., followed by academic awards at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th at the grade school, according to Superintendent Britany Pope.
In personnel actions for the 2026–27 school year, the board hired Adam Book as head basketball coach and Robert Bridgeman as head baseball coach. Amanda Cates was approved as assistant cheer coach, and Makenna York was hired as an elementary teacher. The board also rehired Shawna Weber as a teacher for the upcoming school year.
In other business, the board approved a bid for Phase 3 HVAC replacement and accepted the district’s dairy bid.