Prairie Central stands to benefit financially from more wind turbines in the district and a McLean County schools facility tax.
During the regular December meeting of the Prairie Central Board of Education, Superintendent Paula Crane told members about the Panther Grove II Wind Farm project planned for Livingston County. The wind farm would have 17 turbines in the school district, though the project must be approved by the county board.
The first year of funds is expected to be 2027, says Crane, with slightly less than $850,000 a year. This amount will drop as the years go on and in 2056, the district still stands to gain around $500,000 from the project which is for 30 years.
“That revenue gets levied into each fund,” Crane explained.
Crane also spoke of the McLean County schools facility tax which is a one-percent sales tax and a different source of funding. Currently, Livingston County’s tax is only used for facilities.
If the new McLean County tax passes in April, Prairie Central is estimated to receive around $420,000 a year.
“This would add to (Livingston County’s tax),” noted Crane.
Funds can be used for facilities or for bonds taken out for facility use. McLean County has a much higher overall sales number than Livingston due to a higher population. Other McLean County schools are supporting the measure.
Under old business at the December meeting, the Prairie Central board approved the letting of bids for 45,000 gallons of five-percent biodiesel to be opened in January. The fuel would be used over a 13-month span.
“It would probably be a good time to do it,” stated board member Brian Plenert.
The 2024 property tax levy was approved as presented. Information was presented last month and Crane said she decreased the levy for leasing but increased it in tort. A less than five-percent increase does not trigger a truth-in-taxation hearing.
Board policies were updated for ethics and gifts bans, board member development, safety, workplace harassment and social media conduct and usage.
Stephen Hartke, junior high dean and athletic director, presented new procedures for junior high sports and activities. The plan defines the minimum number of athletes on teams before the sport is opened to sixth graders. In the case of wrestling and track, it is fifth graders. This takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year.
“We do want to keep our numbers as high as we possibly can,” said Hartke.
Hartke met with coaches and sponsors, receiving input.
“We want to encourage gravel level participation to the best of our ability.”
Crane presented information on a new comprehensive visioning process for enhancing public education in Illinois over the long term. The document involves keeping students safe, maintaining quality educators for students, enhancing post-secondary success and improving measurement of what is working in the schools.
“This document has all sorts of suggestions for legislators,” notes Crane.
She would like to see the board support a resolution on this at the January meeting. The document can be found on the district website or https://illinoisvision2030.com.
Following an executive session, the board approved several personnel matters.
The following were approved for employment:
-David Winterland, PCHS girls golf coach, effective with the 2025-26 school year.
-Shelby Shroba, PCE night custodian, effective Dec. 20, 2024.
-Jeff Meyer, PCHS baseball auxiliary coach, effective Dec. 20, 2024.
-Raelyn Payne, PCHS softball auxiliary coach, effective Dec. 20, 2024.
The following were approved for retirement:
-Angela Maubauch, UE custodian, effective June 27, 2025.
- Chastity Pick, UE media specialist, effective at the end of the 2024-25 year.
The following resignations were approved:
-Chastity Pick, JH cheer coach, at the end of the 2024-25 cheer season.
-Heidi Kiefer, PCE second grade teacher, at the end of the 2024-25 year.
Leaves of absence were authorized for:
-Destiny Rothert, UE paraprofessional, January 6 to February 28, 2025.
-Blayne Dixon, high school special ed teacher, from December 8, 2024 to January 13, 2025.
Non-renewals were approved for:
-Matt Razo, PCJH seventh grade girls basketball coach, effective immediately.
-Sonia Gradberg, PCJH eighth grade girls basketball coach, effective immediately.
Comments