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The La Harpe School Board held its regular monthly meeting on October 21, addressing key financial, facility, and operational matters. Board President Dustin Detherage presided over the session, which began at 6:00 p.m. in the board room.
All seven board members, Dana Blythe, Joni Dowell, Leandra Deitrich, Chad Burt, Dustin Detherage, Josh Gebhardt, and Josh Walker, were present, along with Superintendent Janet Gladu, Principal Ryan Hopper, Board Secretary Liz McCarter, and one visitor, Tim King.
Consent Agenda and Financial Review
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the September 16 meeting, financial reports, payment of bills, destruction of closed session recordings over 18 months old, FOIA requests, and the FY 2025 Annual Financial Report.
Superintendent Gladu highlighted the district’s clean audit with no findings. The total fund balance stood at $4,382,577.70, reflecting a 1.432% decrease from the prior year. As of June 30, 2025, the overall fund balance was $2,685,326. Gladu noted that the district intentionally spent down reserves last year to fund cash purchases, including a used bus and van, new classroom furniture, floor mats, window film, a camera system, and a payment on a new bus.
Bond Issuance and Refunding Progress
Financial advisor Tim King updated the board on the district’s bond plans following the April 2025 referendum. The proposed $4.35 million General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2025, will fund approved capital projects and refinance existing debt. Fortress has committed to purchasing $2.5 million, with efforts ongoing to place the remaining $2 million. Closing is anticipated in December.
The board unanimously approved the bond issuance resolution in a 7-0 roll call vote.
Elementary Addition Project Moves Forward
Superintendent Gladu reported that architects are preparing bid documents for the elementary school addition, with bids expected to be presented at the December board meeting. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025, and bids are tentatively due December 8.
The board authorized Architechnics to proceed with competitive bidding in a 5-2 vote (Burt and Dowell voting no).
2025 Tax Levy Discussion
Gladu presented two levy options: a maximum increase of 15.32% or a recommended 4.99% increase. After discussion, the board agreed to bring the 4.99% option forward for approval at the November meeting.
Maintenance Grant and Facility Updates
The board unanimously approved submitting a 2025-2026 School Maintenance Grant application to the Illinois State Board of Education. The $100,000 project ($50,000 state grant, $50,000 district match) will remodel the second lobby bathroom to achieve ADA compliance.
Gladu also reported a successful Health Life Safety inspection with only minor issues, all of which have been or will soon be corrected.
Pledge of Allegiance Added to Meetings
In a 6-1 vote (Walker opposed), the board approved adding the voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the start of all regular and special meetings, immediately following roll call or the moment of silence.
Other Business and Reports
Auditor Transition: The current auditor is retiring. The district will gather qualifications from local firms without issuing a formal RFP or RFQ.
Athletic Co-op Updates: Discussions continued regarding Dallas City’s decision to shift cross country from parent-run to school-sponsored status, as well as golf and potential student interest surveys for additional sports.
Solar Panel Installation: Delays persist due to backordered brackets, though parts have now arrived. Staff continue to follow up with the vendor.
Principal’s Report: Hopper highlighted new initiatives including a successful peer tutoring program, trauma-informed training for staff, Fire Safety Day, Special Person’s Day, and upcoming parent-teacher conferences, Red Ribbon Week, and Halloween activities.
Athletic Report: Girls’ basketball teams are performing strongly (8th grade 6-1, 7th grade 7-0), with boys’ basketball starting soon and solid participation numbers.
Superintendent Updates: November’s Veteran’s Day program will feature guest speaker Kevin Mershon, with the board again providing cookies and punch. A lockdown drill is scheduled, excluding Pre-K students.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for November. The next school board meeting is scheduled for January 20 at 6:00 p.m.