Crane bids farewell at meeting

Outgoing PC Superintendent Paula Crane, right, shown with new superintendent Brian Quam on Thursday.

Prairie Central Superintendent Paula Crane reflected on her time leading the district following her last regular school board meeting Thursday night.

“I’m excited for retirement, but especially because I know the district is in really great hands with Brian Quam,” Crane told Fairbury News.

Crane said she deeply cares about the district so leaving it with someone she knows is capable will allow her to enjoy retirement. Quam takes over the role July 1.

“I’ll be around a couple of months to help him transition in,” Crane explained.

When it comes to the future, Crane really doesn’t have any concrete plans.

“I’m really kind of looking forward to just being able to do things and not have such a packed schedule.”

Since the job can be busy and challenging, Crane looks forward to spending time with family and friends.

“Honestly, I’ve made a lot of really great friends in the district,” Crane recalls. “We have so many talented and dedicated staff members that I have learned so much from.”

Crane won’t be far away as her husband still farms.

“We are tied to the land so I will be around and able to still attend Prairie Central activities.”

Board President John Wilken acknowledged Crane’s service to the district for the past several years.

“We wish Mrs. Crane the very best in her retirement years,” stated Wilken.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here, I really have,” added Crane.

Under old business Thursday, the board approved a construction management contract with Vissering Construction for work on the new elementary building. An architect contract with BLDD is expected to be approved during a July 1 special meeting.

In new business, the group authorized the superintendent and finance officer to prepare the 2025-2026 school year budget and approved a physical therapy contract with Turning Point. A contract with GAH was approved for nursing and athletic training services through Fiscal Year 28.

“They’ve done a really nice job for us,” said Crane.

Brian Quam, the incoming superintendent, discussed plans for A.I. in education – also known as Artificial Intelligence. They are focusing on a couple of educational programs at Prairie Central with the technology built into them. He found samples from other school districts and guidelines for students and staff. A.I. can condense grading turnaround time and teachers have access to analytics to improve instruction. It also provides feedback for kids.

“It will not do the job for you but it is a great tool to make life easier and more efficient,” Quam said.

The A.I. programs will be considered for approval at the July board meeting.

Crane mentioned the upcoming school board conference set for late November in Chicago.

“There are educational opportunities all day Friday,” explained Crane.

She suggested the board make a decision about going and for how many nights so reservations can be made.

“If you’re available, I highly recommend it,” noted board member Dana Kafer.

PCUE fifth grade teacher Cherlyn McBride presented her project known as “Exploring

Biographies.” This was funded through a teacher innovation grant and allowed fifth grade students access to biographies of various people in history. Students researched a person and dressed up as them.

“Timing for the grant was perfect,” McBride told the board.

This year, the entire fifth grade wanted to try the biography research project. It was able to be expanded thanks to the grant.

“It looks like great fun,” board president John Wilken observed.

Crane informed the board of the Fairbury Catholic Church cleaning its fence line along newly-purchased land and suggested the board may want to discuss the process with them at a later time.

In other business, the Prairie Central Board of Education approved May 15 meeting minutes and special meeting minutes along with the consent agenda which included the activity fund report, financial reports and treasurer’s report as presented.

An extension of participation in the swim team cooperative was authorized for two years at Pontiac High School.

The following individuals were approved for employment in personnel matters:

-Raquel Eschleman, CARES Clowns sponsor, effective FY26.

-Brittany Bell, HS scholastic bowl co-coach, effective FY26.

-Bradley Haab, 8th grade boys basketball coach, effective FY26.

-Jeff Maley, 7th grade boys basketball coach, effective FY26.

-Andrew Quain, assistant football coach, effective FY26.

-Lisa Fuss, extended school year special education teacher, summer 2025.

-Rita Meister, extended school year special education teacher, summer 2025.

-Jay Dunn, extended school year paraprofessional, summer 2025.

-Grace Hilton, extended school year paraprofessional, summer 2025.

-Claire Scheulin, extended school year paraprofessional, summer 2025.

The following resignations or retirements were approved:

-Amanda Williams, HS special education teacher, effective end of FY25.

-Grace Hilton, HS paraprofessional, effective end of FY25.

A request for a one-year leave of absence was denied.