The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, J-P Correspondent
Following a public hearing, the budget for the 2023-2024 school year at Illini West High School was approved by the board during their regular meeting Sept. 20.
The hearing was a time for the public to make comments on the budget. No one asked to speak. The proposed budget has been posted on the district web page and available at the Illini West High School district office.
“We are beginning to transition out of the money provided during the pandemic,” said Superintendent Jay Harnack, describing the budget. “Over the course of this year and next, we should begin to see budgets that are more in line with pre-pandemic budgets.”
The total estimated revenue to the five primary funds is $5,423,413, with anticipated expenses of $5,650,476. Current balances held by the district will cover any deficit in the year’s budget. No deficit reduction plan is required.
The resignation of Raylene Gunning as assistant volleyball coach was accepted, effective as of Sept. 15.
Director of Student Services Grant Surprenant provided an attendance report for August, the first 12 days of school, with freshmen at 90 percent; sophomores at 93 percent, juniors at 78 percent and seniors at 62 percent.
Surprenant said they are working hard with the freshmen and sophomores to have consistency.
“We are trying to find options for those seniors to help them be successful,” he said.
Harnack noted that the senior class has had their whole high school career affected in many ways by the pandemic.
He said the attendance issue is wide-spread among schools, with discussion at the regional office of education. They are increasing their number of truancy officers to help schools and students improve attendance.
“The thing I would add is that if you ever had any doubt about the impact of the pandemic on schooling in such a wide variety of ways, this is just one issue that our social worker is dealing with.”
Harnack reported that the football field electrical system had been renovated, and he is working on a grant proposal to improve window efficiency. The district is participating in regional crises management training sessions.
Harnack and Principal Amanda Congdon said Homecoming week went well with many student organized activities. She reported that 10 FFA members had placed in a recent livestock judging competition.
Overnight trips were approved for the dance team to attend the IHSA competition in January and to an additional competition in Highland in February.
Early graduation requests were approved for the following five students: Emma Williams, Caycee Abston, Melany Bundy, Audra Caley and Jadelyn Weinreich.
The board approved second reading of board policy manual updates.