The West Prairie District 103 board of education met at the North Elementary campus Wednesday, Aug. 12, to tour the facilities prior to opening of classes on Aug. 19, to place the FY27 budget on display, and to act upon plans to relocate district offices.
After approving the consent agenda, which included the sale of baseball scoreboards from the Good Hope school, North Elementary Principal Sara Ryner led board members on a comprehensive tour of the building, pointing out areas that needed to be addressed as well as modifications to curriculum and room assignments in reparation for the new school year.
When regular business resumed, the board approved proposed policy revisions in accordance with ISBE Press Plus recommendations, with the stipulation that the district would continue to offer five-minute public comments at the regular meetings as opposed Press Plus's suggested three-minute time.
The board also agreed to place the FY27 district budget on display for 30 days. According to Superintendent Curt Rheingans, the budget estimates $9.2 million in revenue against $9.6 in expenses. Business manager Crista Rigg noted that the district will have a 16 percent increase in health insurance costs as well as increased costs, in special education.
Board member Honey Zimmerman noted that $7 million of that budget is for personnel — salaries and benefits.
'The humans are the most important assent,' she said. 'That's where the biggest dollars are spent.'
Board Chair Scott Vogler added, 'We have a little red ink, but I think it's very healthy.'
After discussing upcoming conference plans for this fall and next spring, the board then entered closed session. Upon return, they acted on the following: — Accepted the resignation of Hillary Humes as South Elementary paraprofessional; — Transferred high school athletic director secretary Lisa Fentem to the district office as an administrative assistant; — Moved Vicki Mummert from substitute van driver to full-time; — Hired David Eden as long-term substitute teacher; Ed Butcher, Rita Hicks, ad Kathy Martin as bus drivers; Craig Clark as South Elementary custodian; and Skylar Heinecke as paraprofessional.
In other business, the board accepted the findings of a third-party investigation that determined a personnel complaint to be unfounded.
The board also approved the purchase of property, a vacant space in the United Community Bank building on Depot Street in Colchester, as a site for the relocation of the district offices. The office is now located on grounds across from South Elementary and in deteriorating condition. The cost is not to exceed $200,000.
Finally, Rheingans presented his goals for the district: 1. Academic: To see significant gains in Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading (STAR) percentile scores for both the fall and winter term as well as the fall to spring school year.
2. Community Relations: To be visible and actively engaged in West Prairie school and community activities and to 'foster open, honest, and timely communication.'
3. Facilities Maintenance Long-Range Goals: To develop a comprehensive five-year facilities plan to ensure a clean and safe school environment.
4. Financial: To develop and maintain long-term financial stability and accountability.
5. Professional Development: To participate in on-going personal development and to remain current on state and federal education requirements as well as on emerging educational trends and best practice.
The next meeting of the board will be Wednesday, Aug. 26 at West Prairie Jr/Sr High School.
