The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Sweariangen, Quill Correspondent
Several people spoke about the proposed building referendum during the Illini West High School Board meeting Feb. 19.
Tom Hartzell addressed concerns he has about the proposal. He stressed that, if they wish, voters can ask for a non-partisan ballot in the election, and are not required to declare a party affiliation, since the March 17 election is also a Presidential Primary.
"It is important for people to know they do have that option. They can go vote on the referendum question and don't have to say if they are a Republican or Democrat," Hartzell said.
He mentioned that one of eight State Board of Education strategic planning meetings is set at the Regional Office of Education in Macomb from 5 to 7 p.m. March 16.
Cindy Logan, from the Building for the Future committee, gave an update on work they have done and meetings held to give information to the public about the referendum.
The board discussed a request that has come up during public meetings about the building referendum. Some residents have asked the board to pass a resolution stating that if the building referendum passes, the bonds will not be issued until state matching funds are in place.
Superintendent Kim Schilson said she has talked with the school attorney about this, and will get an opinion from the bonding company. A special meeting to consider a resolution requiring state funding for new high school building before issuance of referendum bonds was scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the unit office meeting room.
Principal Scott Schneider reported that 165 students will take the PBIS trip to Fun City in Burlington, Iowa, earned for meeting appropriate behavior standards.
The 2020-2021 school calendar was approved, with teachers' workshops on Aug. 13 and 14, and the first student attendance day on Aug. 17. Schilson said several four-day weekends were again planned during March and April, which will be used to make up excessive snow days earlier in the semester.
Schilson reported she, Schneider and John Meixner, regional superintendent, had a good visit at the school with Dr. Ernesto Matias, who came from the State Board of Education.
She reported on an administrators board meeting in Bloomington where discussion included ways to have more certified vocational teachers available to rural schools.
The 2020-2021 course catalog was approved with minor changes.
Schneider said several days of bad weather have delayed completion of the revised student handbook, and the committee will have it ready for next month.
After closed session, the board accepted the resignations of Shane Long as building/transportation supervisor and Danielle White as girls track coach. Greg Hoener has expressed his intent to retire after the 2022-2023 year.
Jessica Knicl was hired to teach music/SPED. Tyler Schilson was hired as building/ transportation/ maintenance supervisor.
The following appointments were made:
Peyton Porter and Matt Zaehringer as volunteer baseball coaches; Dakota Lafferty as head girls track coach; Kelly Keckler and Mattison Pennfield as assistant girls track coaches; and Jerry Butcher as volunteer girls track coach.