The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
Following a public hearing, the budget for the Illini West High School 2025-2026 school year was approved by the board during their regular meeting Sept. 17.
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.
The budget anticipates spending just a little over $14,500 more than the district will take in.
The total estimated revenue is $5,854,911, with anticipated expenses of $5,869,523.
The total estimated revenue to the five primary funds is $5,423,413, with anticipated expenses of $5,650,476. The district gets about 65 percent of its funds from local taxes.
An intergovernmental agreement to share a social worker with Dallas City Elementary District was approved. Illini West will be responsible for paying employment benefits to the social worker who will provide services one day per week at the Dallas City Elementary School.
The social worker’s schedule will be planned jointly by administrators from both school districts.
The board approved hiring Brittnee Jarrett as district administrative assistant, Michelle Monroe as bookkeeper, and Danielle Rambo as head girls track coach. The resignation of Daytona Dooley as volunteer softball coach was accepted.
The board acknowledged and accepted funds from the estate of Martha Anderson into the Martha Anderson and Dr. Margaret McKee Scholarship Fund, held at Marine Bank and Trust. ?In his report, Superintendent Jay Harnack outlined more work needed at the school.
In October he will meet with architects to plan replacement of football bleachers and resurfacing of the track. Carpeting in the office needs to be replaced. The tile underneath will require abatement of asbestos for this to be done. He plans to schedule this work during Christmas break.
The district continues to recruit bus drivers. There is a need for an English language teacher. Harnack is giving services to students who need English language support in the interim.
He noted that the October board meeting on Oct. 15 will be held at La Harpe Elementary School.
Principal Amanda Congdon said she is working with La Harpe, Dallas City and Carthage Elementary Schools to plan this year’s joint Veterans Day program.
Chris Greenhalge was honored on IT Appreciation Day, Sept. 16, for his help in many ways to the students and staff of the school.
Jonah Zanolla has been honored as a National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalist, among the top 1 percent of all U.S. high school seniors.
Early graduation requests were approved for Mira Shirey, Victoria Reynolds, and Zoie Johnson.
The board approved first reading of board policy manual updates.