Superintendent Paula Crane updated the Prairie Central Board of Education on numerous topics during the board’s regular meeting Thursday night in Fairbury.
The board learned of legislation which could impact district finances with the most impactful including the minimum wage increase, property tax freeze and teacher minimum salary requirements. Other legislation restores the five clock hour student attendance day which could potentially eliminate the district’s school improvement days.
“Along with this, one student attendance day has been added to the calendar, which could eliminate one institute day. We will await further negotiations on the bill and create a school calendar accordingly,” Crane said in a board summary released to the media.
Crane also spoke about school lunch program money and said all payments should be made by the end of the year. Research continues on an intercom and communication system. The school is waiting for cost estimates and once the numbers are received, they hope to develop a short-term plan on replacing the district-wide system.
Under old business, the board approved the new student information system for the district, known as Infinite Campus, starting with the 2019-2020 school year. New business items included the approval of a school improvement plan at the Junior High and discussion of a possible partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to run after school Kids Club programs in the lower grades.
During public comment, Matt Curl addressed recent changes at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway and his wish to continue working with the district.
Following an executive session, the group:
-Accepted the resignations of bus driver Elizabeth Burger, PCUE special education teacher Alexandria Applen and Gail Monahan with an intent to retire at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
-Appointed Andrew Quain head football coach starting with the 2019-2020 school year and Austin Donoho as JV baseball coach beginning immediately.
-Appointed Hannah Miller as a fifth grade teacher at PCUE starting with the 2019-2020 school year.
-Okayed a voluntary transfer for Kristen Hinz from PCP East interventionist to fourth grade at PCE.
-Approved a medical leave for one employee.
