Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Prior to the regular meeting of the Staunton Board of Education on Dec. 20, a public hearing was held regarding the tax levy for 2021. Michael Kelly, the district’s interim superintendent, provided the members of the board and public a summary of the district’s prediction on the tax levy tentatively approved in November. Kelly outlined the need for the tax revenue, and he supplied a tax rate comparison with surrounding school districts. The Staunton district is the lowest in Macoupin County and the surrounding districts.

The comparison showed the rates of districts in Macoupin County, in the South Central Conference, and in neighboring districts. North Mac has the highest rate at 5.56 percent with Mt. Olive second highest at 5.01 percent. Carlinville at 3.64 percent and Staunton at 3.04 percent occupy the two lowest spots.

Some of the other rates are Hillsboro 4.99, Highland 4.67, Edwardsville 4.66, Litchfield 4.55, and Gillespie 3.80.

The board adopted the Tax Levy for 2021 during the regular meeting. The levy was for $4,263,641. Kelly explained to the board of education that the levy would not generate that level of revenue once extended by the counties. In the end, the tax extension would be determined by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (P-TELL). Therefore, the tax rate for 2021 should remain relatively similar to the current tax rate for 2020. In addition to adopting the tax levy, the board approved a resolution allocating the revenue generated from the 2021 tax extension to the appropriate funds. The board also passed a resolution to abate the tax levied for 2021 to pay the debt service on a Series 2017 bond issued by the district a few years ago to pay for building improvements. The revenue to pay for this bond is generated by the One Percent County-Wide Sales Tax.

Board spotlight

The Staunton Board of Education recognized the Top Readers for Staunton Elementary. Elementary School Principal Brett Allen presented certificates to Emma Ishum for the 2nd grade, Milo Lux for the 3rd Grade, Lorilei Kineke for the 4th Grade and Norah Schuman for the 5th Grade. These young students were selected for their AR scores, number of books read and the advanced reading level of the books they had read.

Reports

Allen also gave a presentation on the district’s use of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. He was assisted with the presentation by Staunton Elementary teachers Brianna Bohlen and Tabitha Miller. Capturing Kids Hearts uses coaching, an SEL curriculum for children and personalized support for employees to equip educators in implementing processes that focus on the social-emotional well-being of children. The program seeks to develop a relationship-driven school environment. The research-based program is designed to improve attendance, increase student achievement, lead to lower dropout rates and reduce discipline referrals.

Kristine Daniels, an Opaa! employee who serves as the district’s food service director, reported that Opaa!, the food service company contracted by the district, is working to develop new menus and recipes for the upcoming year. Daniels reported Opaa! served between 9,500 to 10,000 student lunches a month. Also, 3,000 to 4,000 student breakfasts are served each month.

Interim Superintendent Kelly also reported that ISBE would be conducting a school nutrition program administrative review in January. Currently, Opaa! and school officials are working to collect the materials required by the review. Kelly noted these reviews and audits are conducted by ISBE on a routine basis.

Kelly also addressed the continued struggle to ensure an adequate number of employees to operate the school district. The district remains short of substitute teachers, bus drivers, janitors and food service staff.

New business

• A first reading for IASB Press Policy Issue 108 was conducted. The board also approved the continuation of a service agreement with Bushue HR, Inc. Bushue has provided consulting services on human relations, insurance and payroll to the school district for the past several years.

• The board passed a resolution, required by the Illinois Teachers Retirement System, allowing Staunton CUSD #6 teachers to contribute to a Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP). The SSP resolution does not require a financial contribution from the school district. It only allows for teachers to invest their own salary in a SSP.

• A Multi Governmental Agreement with Gillespie CUSD #7 and potentially the other school districts in the South Macoupin Association for Special Education (SMASE) to share in providing transportation for students receiving services provided outside the school district was approved.

The board passed a resolution announcing the school district’s intent to withdraw from the Prairie State Insurance Cooperative in order to seek competitive bids for insurance this spring.

Personnel

The board of education also approved several employment recommendations. The resignation of Adam Peoples as a bus driver/substitute custodian effective Nov. 29, 2021, was approved. The board approved the employment of Terri Monti as a bus monitor/aide, Leanne Heyen as the assistant coach for the high school’s Scholastic Bowl team, and Brooke Baker as an assistant cheer coach for SHS. Mike Miller’s request to be reassigned from the maintenance director to a building custodian was approved. Mary Griffith’s request to have her unpaid leave of absence extended to mid-January 2022 was approved. The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Custodial Council Local #4818 regarding the pay schedule of the current contract.