The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
The mid-year financial report by Illini West High School superintendent, Jay Harnack, shows the district has a good financial profile. It also reflects future concerns in issues caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Harnack presented the report at the regular meeting of the IWHS board on Jan. 19.
Harnack said the district will need to keep an eye on the Consumer Price Index, with rising prices of goods and materials the district uses.
“Inflation and supply chain issues will have a significant impact on the current and next budget cycle, if not longer,” noted Harnack.
“We continue to look at ways to save money. Labor shortages are impacting wages and benefits. Budgets will tighten over time, but we are in a good position to weather it.”
Harnack added: “I give kudos to this board and past boards, and past superintendents for having the district well-positioned to manage the situation.”
The entire mid-year financial report is available for viewing on the Illini West website, illiniwest.org.
The report includes a financial profile; history of fund balances over several years in each of the major funds; budgeted revenue and expenses for each major fund and the year-to-date activity in those funds, along with analyzing how the district will use this information.
The district moved forward with the project to improve heat and air-conditioning in the gym. The board approved issuing a request for a proposal for an Energy Performance Contracting Project. This project would cover a full range of energy performance improvements including, but not limited to the installation of HVAC in the gym.
“These services and improvements are to be delivered on a performance contracting basis with guaranteed savings,” explained board president, John Huston.
In seeking an energy services company, the district can have a single provider to do all aspects of this project.
Tracey Anders said he likes the plan because it will expedite the steps and get the project completed more quickly.
“There is a good chance we can get it done in 2022,” said Anders, a member of the district’s building committee.
Now that the board has approved the request for proposals, the steps include getting approval by the state Capital Development Board, reviewing responses of companies, and approving a provider by the board at their March 16 meeting.
The board approved the proposed 2022-23 school calendar with student attendance starting on Aug. 17. Christmas vacation would run from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, and the last day for students is May 25, 2023.
Four days of unpaid leave in February were approved for art teacher, Carrie Buxman.
Overnight trips were approved for the wrestling, dance and volleyball teams.
The board approved second reading of several board policy updates.
Following closed session, the board approved destruction of closed session tapes of meetings prior to July 1, 2020.