Prairie Central Superintendent Paula Crane appeared before members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening at City Hall.
Should the upcoming school referendum pass April 1, Crane told the council that would lead to repairs at Prairie Central Upper Elementary and Prairie Central Junior High in Forrest which would both remain in that community. Repairs would also be done to Prairie Central High School in Fairbury and a new Pre-K through fourth grade building would be constructed in Fairbury.
“The location now we are planning on is north of the high school,” Crane explained.
Crane indicated the new building would result in the closing of Prairie Central Primary East in Chatsworth, Prairie Central Primary West in Chenoa and Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury, formerly known as Westview.
While this would create a smaller footprint, Crane hopes it would create a more efficient district. She said if the referendum is approved, it could be at least three years before the doors would open to the new building.
“The district has always appreciated the city of Fairbury and our collaboration and cooperation,” Crane noted.
Crane praised the city, its engineers and the city superintendent as they have discussed infrastructure, traffic patterns and safety for kids should a new school be constructed.
“I would anticipate with a ‘yes’ vote, that collaboration would continue.”
Potentially having a school right across from the Boys and Girls Club building is something Crane is excited about. It would take some planning but she is confident they could find a safe passage for kids across the street. She described a good relationship with the club and noted they are making sure all communities would be served by the Boys and Girls Club if the school plan comes to fruition.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there or assumptions people have,” Crane said. “We do have factual information on our website. Please call if you have questions.”
Superintendent Crane also expressed appreciation for the Fairbury Police Department and Chief Robert McCormick for helping to keep kids safe.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said if the school referendum passes, the city is there to help facilitate what needs to be done such as road infrastructure and drainage.
Also at Wednesday’s Fairbury City Council meeting, the group approved a bid to purchase framing for picnic tables from Slagel Manufacturing to be used at the screened-in pavilion as current tables are in poor shape.
Tamira Hoselton was appointed to the role of Fire Clerk. She will do record keeping and reporting by entering information onto a computer monthly.
Quotes were approved for aluminum panel replacements at the swimming pool. This is over the pool draining trough which re-circulates the water. The replacement of the decking will make it appear more uniform.
Ashburn responded to recent comments on social media about the need for a dog park in town. He said it is something the city is working toward by acquiring grant funding and securing a spot for one.
“We just want to put it in the right place,” stated Ashburn.
