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

Prior to the Dec. 19 Staunton Board of Education meeting, the board conducted a public hearing regarding the requirements associated with the Truth-in-Taxation components of the property tax levy process. During the hearing, the board offered those present to address the members of the board.

District Superintendent Brett Allen presented a short summary of the tax levy process and the district’s levy request.

During the regular school board meeting and after listening to Allen’s finance presentation and statement of current fund balances, the board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed property tax levy for tax year 2022. This levy will result in an extension during the summer of 2023.

The board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution allocating the 2022 taxes to individual funds of the district. For instance tax revenue generated by the education levy would be allocated to the education fund, and tax revenue generated through the transportation levy would be allocated to the transportation fund. The board also voted unanimously to approve a resolution to abate the taxes levied for a General Obligation School Bond, Series 2017. Instead, the bond payment will be paid from revenue generated through the Macoupin County School Facilities Tax.

Furthermore, the members of the school board approved the district’s investment into the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund (ISDLAF). This fund, which meets all of the requirements set forth by both the School District’s Policy Manual and the state of Illinois, is currently offering significantly better interest rates than simple passbook savings offered by community banks. Prior to finalizing any investments with the ISDAF, Allen assured the board members that he would investigate the interest rates offered by local banks.

Board Spotlight

Allen asked the members of the board of education to spotlight the Staunton Junior High girls’ teams for their outstanding 2022 seasons. The seventh grade terriers compiled a record of 22-1, and advanced to the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Tournament before losing to the eventual state champions. During the season the Terriers captured the conference championship and finished the regular season with a 19-0 record.

Additionally, the eighth grade Terriers had a season record of 16-6, and advanced to the IESA sectionals. During the regular season, the team shared the conference championship with Gillespie.

Administrators’ Report

Superintendent Allen reported that school district officials are continuing in their efforts to provide adequate security at the district. For instance, recently, district officials met on-site with Sandra Lane, an agent with the Secret Service, to review the district’s security plans and procedures. Moreover, several district officials attended security training off-site.

Currently, as recommended by Agent Lane, the district is working with a cyber security expert from the Department of Homeland Security to further review the district’s building security.

Allen reported on the district’s work on complying with the state’s requirements regarding the evaluation of staff. He announced that the Joint Evaluation or PERA Committee had met several times to modify the current evaluation plan to address current state legal requirements related to the evaluation of teachers.

Allen also reported on the district’s efforts to update the current E-Learning Plan. This plan was initially approved in 2020, and is now required to be updated prior to March of 2023. For the past several weeks, district officials have sought input from teachers and the rapid response team members to modify the current plan. Also, Allen stressed that this learning option would rarely if ever be implemented unless an emergency situation existed. For example, if a weather emergency called for an emergency day, the district would prefer to use an “emergency” day. Allen stressed an E-Learning Day would only be used if it could be announced in advance of its use, and would not be the preferred instructional approach.

During this discussion, Dave Lamore commented that the recent music concert had been outstanding. Likewise, Clayton Green stated that the elementary holiday season programs had been enjoyable and outstanding.

Committee Reports

During the Committee Reports, Clayton Green, the chair of the Policy Committee, reported that the committee had met earlier to review and discuss the recommendations the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) had made with the issuance of PRESS Policy Issue 110. Green noted most of the policies are required by law, but some of the recommended policy changes allowed local interpretation. Green and Allen announced that the district is seeking advice from the district’s legal counsel on a few of the recommendations. It was noted by multiple members of the board of education that ensuring internal compliance of all polices was extremely important. The actual adoption of the proposed policies will be given a second reading at a later date prior to potential adoption.

New Business

The board recognized the first reading of the PRESS Policy Issue 110.

Furthermore, the Board of Education voted to approve the sale of a surplus 2006 Thomas/Freightliner bus and swamp-cooler contingent upon legal counsel’s consent.

Allen also reported on the adoption and state required modification of the Absenteeism and Truancy Policy.

Action After Executive Session

Upon returning to open session, the Board of Education accepted the resignations with thanks for service of the high school cheerleading sponsor, Brooke Baker, and paraprofessional Keli Plenske. In relation to employment, the board hired full-time bus driver, Nancy Hansel. Hannah Blevins (Doty) was hired as a long-term substitute teacher in the junior high school and Tyler Finnegan was employed as the head boys’ soccer coach for the high school. Additionally, the board of education approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the teachers’ union related to reimbursement procedures for courses of approved study.