The Prairie Central Board of Education has approved a resolution requiring the submission of a proposition to issue $45 million in school building bonds to district voters on the November 5 general election ballot.
There was no discussion as board member Brad Duncan made the motion to adopt the resolution at Thursday night’s regular board meeting in Fairbury.
Voters will be asked to vote yes or no to the following question:
“Shall the Board of Education of Prairie Central Community Unit School District Number 8, Livingston, McLean and Ford Counties, Illinois, build and equip an elementary school building, alter repair and equip the Prairie Central High School, Junior High School and Upper Elementary School buildings, improve sites and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $45,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?”
A notice will be signed by the three county clerks in the district, which includes Livingston, McLean and Ford counties.
Following the meeting, Superintendent Paula Crane said they are hoping for a zero dollar tax increase and details surrounding this will be explained to the public. This could depend on interest rates and other factors.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, annual reports were presented from food services, transportation and maintenance.
When it comes to food, the district did receive some assistance funds from the state to spend on minimally-processed foods.
“It kind of carries over from the COVID time,” explained Food Services Director Susan Cavazos.
The district did receive some local food school funding and Spence Farm will deliver fresh produce to the schools once a week. There was only one major equipment failure this year and the district will continue with Prairie Farms for milk. The number of meals served went up compared to the previous year as more kids are eating breakfast.
“We are short staffed but as of right now, I think we are going to have all of our positions filled,” added Cavazos.
Transportation Director Chris Wilder reported the district’s mileage was down from last year as there was one less route.
“About the same amount of routes will start off this year,” said Wilder.
Bussing staff is hard to find and Wilder feels this could be due to an overall lack of people in this area in need of a job. Wilder said the used busses which were purchased are running well and gallons used this year were down since the miles were lower.
“We are transporting a lot of special needs students out of district,” Wilder explained.
Busses are ready to roll for the new school year and in good shape, according to Wilder. Route times look very similar to last year.
“A couple of routes are actually a little shorter.”
Maintenance Director Tyler Webster noted several general repairs are underway within the district and his department helped install new kitchen equipment.
“We are trying to get stuff updated like outdoor security lights,” Webster said.
They are looking to replace some window air conditioning units which went out. Grounds crews are keeping busy with football season here along with junior high baseball and softball.
“Toward the end of the fall here, we will get into our boiler prep,” explained Webster.
Board member Brad Duncan asked if there was a way to prevent people from showing up at the back gravel parking lot by the high school practice fields and leaving liquor bottles and beer cans there.
“I don’t care if people go down there and park but please clean up after yourself,” stated Duncan.
“That’s obviously something we can discuss at some point,” replied Webster.
All three reports were approved as presented.
During her superintendent report, Paula Crane said the new Ag/IT building at the high school is ready to go. While there is a certificate of occupancy, they are still waiting on some furniture. Once things are organized, a date will be set for a ribbon-cutting event and grand opening for the community.
An institute was held earlier in the week for teachers at the First Baptist Church in Fairbury. The annual safety meeting was held last week where protocols were reviewed for emergencies.
Board member Tim McGreal asked if the district thought of having a resource officer. It was suggested by administrators that police officers could walk through the buildings instead of having a permanent officer.
Under new business, the board approved reinstating the seventh grade baseball stipend position for the 2024-25 school year. Over 30 kids went out for baseball and they want to get a coach.
Various minutes were approved from previous meetings on July 18, July 23, July 29 and August 5.
The public comment portion of the meeting reportedly involved a personnel issue so that discussion was held in executive session. Administrators stayed in the room for the session which began at 7:03 p.m. and ended at 7:55 p.m.
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