The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen/Quill correspondent
Illini West High School students will have two fall sports options, even though they are not attending classes in person at the high school building.
At their meeting Aug. 19, the Illini West board voted to allow students to compete in golf and cross country this fall.
Three people spoke in favor of allowing students to compete - parent, Kevin Deitrich; golf coach, Christine Murphy; and IWHS athletic director, Zak Huston.
There are 15 students signed up for golf and 10 for cross country, Huston said. Starting in June, he sent emails to students, asking who would be interested, if the sport was allowed. After the meeting Wednesday, Huston informed students they could still sign up for either sport until Sunday, Aug. 23. Practice began this week.
Superintendent Kim Schilson said all sports had been canceled until the Illinois Dept. of Public Health gave approval of the IHSA guidelines. That approval was given Friday, Aug. 14.
"I told them they would have to make a compelling case to have fall sports. Tonight I think they did," Schilson said. "One of the problems (with fall sports) was having transportation."
Initially, no bus drivers had been willing to take on extra-curricular driving. Now bus drivers have come forward saying they will drive if needed for sports, Schilson said.
Murphy and Huston both stressed that all IHSA guidelines would be following for practices, competition and travel to and from events.
Following closed session the board approved two volunteer golf coaches, Shane Murphy and Cory Housewright. Gloria Simmons was approved as a bus driver and custodian.
The board accepted the resignation of board member, Darrell Sutton, who is from the Dallas Elementary School District. Ads will be published regarding the open seat on the board. Anyone from the Dallas Elementary District can submit a letter of interest by Sept. 8. If more than one person is interested, interviews will be held. The new board member will be appointed at the September board meeting, and will serve until the next board election.
Schilson presented the preliminary 2020-2021 budget. A hearing will be held on the budget at the beginning of the Sept. 16 board meeting. The board will vote on the budget at that time.
"This is the most deficit spending I have ever had," Schilson noted as she explained the budget. While there are deficits for the year in the education and transportation funds, current cash on hand gives the district continued positive balances in all funds at the end of FY21.
Schilson noted that there are four students from the district who are attending Chaddock School in Quincy. The district must provide transportation and tuition for these students. While those expenses are reimbursed, it normally takes time and will not likely be received within this budget year.
The operating lease for farm land owned by the school district in Durham Township was renewed. A three-year contract was renewed with the current tenant, Matt Swanson, at the same cash rent rate as the previous contract.
The board approved a $2,500 donation to the Illini West Bird Busters trap shooting club, with the stipulation the group acknowledge that the club is not an official Illini West sport.
The district 2020 risk management plan was updated, adding information about COVID-19 guidelines.
The board approved designating numerous unneeded items as surplus. First reading of several policy updates was approved.