The Prairie Central Board of Education has authorized the purchase of land adjacent to the high school property in Fairbury.
This includes 106.88 acres of farmland located east and north of the high school for $20,000 an acre with a total cost of $2.1 million. Money will come out of the district’s capital fund.
Board President John Wilken said Tuesday they are looking at this in a very long-term perspective with future generations in mind.
“We believe this is kind of a do it or be prepared to leave it,” Wilken noted.
Wilken told those attending the meeting they are not simply doing this for a future referendum.
“That would be irresponsible,” he said.
Bonds specified as part of the failed November referendum were for construction of a new school and for renovations only. They could not be used for non-specified purposes like land purchases, according to the district.
Board member Brad Duncan feels it is prudent for any school board to look into the future.
“We have a golden opportunity to purchase the ground,” Duncan said.
While exploring building options in preparation for the November referendum, Superintendent Paula Crane investigated potential new building sites near Fairbury. The district says a purchase option agreement was not of interest to the seller so the district was offered the option to purchase the entire parcel at a fixed price.
The size and location of the land provide an opportunity for a centralized Prairie Central campus if future generations decide to move in that direction.
“The administration and board considered various locations in the Fairbury vicinity, but as more research was done, consensus was that a location near PCHS was the clear choice,” said a statement released by the board.
The land will continue to be leased out as farmland until it is needed for school-related facilities.
Also at Tuesday’s regular meeting in Fairbury, the Prairie Central Board of Education learned about other referendum options after the November question was voted down. A question could be put on the April ballot of next year or March the following year in 2026. Early voting for April starts in February.
“You would really need to make your decision next month,” stated Superintendent Crane.
The wording could be changed if the board chooses.
“We will not be voting on anything about a referendum tonight,” Wilken told the audience.
Wilken said school building needs still must be addressed, despite the referendum outcome.
“This issue isn’t going away period until we have a plan.”
Under new business, Crane presented information on the tentative levy with actual approval not coming until December. The EAV last year was approximately $355,500,000 and this year it is estimated by the counties to be $393,000,000. According to Crane, it is constructed to keep the tax rate the same.
Various overnight trip requests were authorized by the board for the FFA, varsity boys basketball, girls wrestling and boys wrestling.
An insurance renewal was authorized with an eight percent increase in premiums.
Several public comments were presented to the board, with one person encouraging the group to put the referendum on the spring election ballot and another speaking of issues at Prairie Central Elementary such as temperature concerns, space problems and plumbing matters. A concern was voiced regarding the agenda item of a land purchase. The person urged the board to allow a lower tax rate.
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