The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Board of Education for La Harpe Community School District #347 convened for its regular monthly meeting on September 16, 2025, in the district’s board room.
President Dustin Detherage presided over the session, which began promptly at 6:00 p.m. and concluded just under an hour later at 6:59 p.m. All seven board members—Blythe, Dowell, Deitrich, Burt, Detherage, Gebhardt, and Walker—were present, along with Superintendent Janet Gladu, Board Secretary Liz McCarter, and Principal Ryan Hopper. Visitors included Niki Pence, Josie Thomas, and Jennifer Hobby.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence, followed by no public comments. The board then moved efficiently through a packed agenda, approving several key items unanimously and discussing ongoing district projects.
Consent Agenda Passes Smoothly
The board approved a comprehensive consent agenda with a 7-0 vote. Items included the agenda itself, minutes from the August 19, 2025, regular meeting, financial reports, individual fund balances, bill payments, deletion of verbatim closed-session records older than 18 months, responses to FOIA requests, Aubrey Porter’s maternity leave request, Denise Kost’s resignation due to retirement, the 2024-2025 Administrator and Teacher Salary Benefit Report, and the 2025-2026 Administrative Cost Worksheet.
The motion was made by Walker and seconded by Deitrich.
PTO’s Gaga Pit Donation Approved
Josie Thomas, repre-senting the La Harpe PTO, presented a proposal to donate a Gaga Pit, a popular octagonal ball game enclosure, for the school playground.
Thomas explained that the pit would be installed in a grassy area, measure 20 feet in diameter, and accommodate up to 25 students. The PTO opted not to include a floor to keep costs down and has arranged for installation.
The board enthu-siastically approved the donation with a 7-0 vote on a motion by Gebhardt, seconded by Blythe.
FY2026 Budget Hearing and Approval
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Superintendent Gladu presented a conservative proposal with inflated expenditures and deflated revenues, noting the exclusion of cafeteria bonds.
She highlighted that this is the final year for the Teacher Vacancy Grant, with funding lower than the previous year. The budget accounts for salary increases and additional staff hired since May 2025.
Gladu shared a detailed fund balance comparison, projecting an overall increase of $256,822 (8.08%) in total fund balances from FY2025’s $3,177,624 to FY2026’s $3,434,447.
The board approved the budget unanimously (7-0) on a motion by Gebhardt, seconded by Dowell.
Updates on Cafeteria Project and Bonds
Superintendent Gladu updated the board on the cafeteria project, following a September 12 meeting with architects from Architechnics.
Minor floor plan adjustments were made, including added space between ovens and the serving line, plus enhanced exterior lighting.
The project is slated for bidding in mid-October, with construction beginning in March or April 2026. The architect’s design fee totals $329,820.26.
Discussion also touched on relocating a crosswalk, which Detherage noted would involve coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) due to its highway location.
On cafeteria bonds, Gladu announced that financial advisor Tim King will attend the October meeting.
King is exploring bond sales with Fortress Bank and Raritan State Bank, assuming a 6% annual increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV), close to the 20-year average of 5.89%.
Two options were reviewed: a 15-year payback with refinancing (Option 1) and a 13-year payback incorporating $70,000 from Johnson Ground funds (Option 2).
Board members debated the pros and cons, emphasizing flexibility for future needs, but no final decision was made.
A historical EAV table was shared, showing growth rates from 2005 to 2025, with a high of 11.8% in 2022.
Regarding district cash contributions to the project, Detherage referenced a brochure promising $300,000 from the district.
Current commitments include $100,000 for architecture, another $100,000 for bathrooms, and an upcoming $115,000 architect payment. The board agreed to transfer funds as needed.
Security Enhancements and Newspaper Costs
The board approved a quote from NGS Films and Graphics for Madico safety film on exterior double doors, matching existing interior window film.
The unanimous 7-0 vote came on a motion by Walker, seconded by Blythe, after confirming warranties.
A brief discussion on newspaper usage emphasized fiscal responsibility. The board compared costs between local papers, agreeing to solicit quotes for ads and consider audience reach, without mandating changes.
Reports and Future Considerations
No reports from board committees. Individual board members discussed donation policies, confirming that gifts over $500 require approval per policy.
Burt praised the addition of an American flag in the board room and suggested reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at meetings, which Detherage agreed to add to the October agenda for a vote.
Principal Hopper reported on school initiatives, including a staff book study on “Just Read It” and the new “Drop Everything and Read” program, which has been well-received.
Other highlights included a PTO raffle winner’s firetruck ride to school, successful school pictures, Homecoming activities, and athletic updates: baseball wrapped with a 9-10 record, girls’ basketball tryouts (with two 6th graders advancing), and hosting regionals/sectionals.
Transportation and bus safety drills are proceeding smoothly.
Superintendent Gladu named John Draws as August’s Team Member of the Month and noted PTO t-shirts for staff. She updated on Pre-K training, First Net eligibility for board members, ongoing staff book studies (“Text Structures and Picture Books” for elementary, “The Anxious Generation” district-wide), and completed Title IX training. The tentative 2025 tax levy will be on October’s agenda.
The meeting adjourned on a voice vote motion by Detherage, seconded by Gebhardt. Minutes were approved at the October 21 meeting, with the next session scheduled for November 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the board room.