Thompson honored as QPS Legend

QUINCY — Long-time Quincy educator Dick Thompson, who died in February at 89, was honored by the Quincy School Board Wednesday night.

Thompson received the Legend Award, which Quincy Public Schools began in 2022 to honor individuals who have given a lifetime of service to the public schools.

Thompson was the embodiment of service to QPS.

School Board President Shelley Arns presented the award to Thompson’s wife, Mary, and his children.

“Mr. Thompson was one of the coolest individuals I have ever known,” Arns said. “I’m not certain how he created that balance of being one of the most loved educators and feared disciplinarians of the Quincy Public School System at the same time. I think most of it had to do with the way he carried himself with confidence and his fair manner with addressing issues.

“Mr. Thompson gave 56 years of service to the Quincy Public Schools. His impact not only in the schools, but in his church community, countless committees and the entire Quincy community was far reaching.”

Thompson, a 1953 Quincy High School graduate, began his career at QPS in 1957 as the first Black teacher at Quincy Junior High before moving into administration as assistant principal at the school He retired in 1992 from QJHS, but worked in the transportation department, overseeing discipline on the bus routes, for another 20 years.

Also a standout athlete and long-time basketball official, Thompson is a member of the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame, the Quincy Blue Devils Sports Hall of Fame, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Quincy University Hall of Fame.

The Board also accepted bids of $358,000 for work on the lower QJHS parking lot and $544,700 for a new face for the Board of Education office, 1416 Maine.

Fischer Builders of Quincy will do the facade work to the Board office, which will involve removing the lobby area from the building’s north side. Work will begin in May and is expected to be completed in June.

Emrick Brothers Construction of Quincy will do the parking lot work that is scheduled to begin in June and be completed in early August before students return in the fall.

In other action, the Board:

• Confirmed the appointment of Kris Klingele as the new QHS Athletic Director. Klingele is the first woman to hold the position.
• Approved three-year lease for 610 Lenova laptops and 100 docking stations at an annual cost of more than $226,000. The laptops are for teachers and staff.
• Amended the 2023-24 calendar with a last day of class for students on May 28 and a teacher in-service day on May 29.
• Recognized all-state QHS athletes Brayden Little in football, Owen Uppinghouse in wrestling and Bradley Longcor III and Keshaun Thomas in basketball, as well as the all-state members of the QJHS wrestling team that finished third in state this season.