New board members seated

Ashley Fehr and Michael Reiners shown during Thursday's regular meeting of the PC Board of Education.

The newest members of the Prairie Central Board of Education were officially seated during Thursday’s regular meeting in Fairbury.

Michael Reiners and Ashley Fehr were presented with the oath of office by Superintendent Paula Crane. Both are excited to get to work.

“I’m looking forward to working with everyone on the board,” Fehr told Fairbury News following the meeting. “I love seeing all of the faces here today and the community involvement.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity and an important time in our school district to make an impact,” said Reiners.

Outgoing members Ted Bachtold and Corey Steffen were thanked for their service to the board. Bachtold has served since 2017 and Steffen had been serving for the past several months after being appointed to fill a vacancy. His first stint on the board was from 2011-2019.

“We appreciate both of you and the leadership you’ve given,” stated Prairie Central Superintendent Paula Crane.

Board President John Wilken was absent from Thursday’s meeting so he will take the oath at an upcoming meeting after being reelected in the April election.

Also at the meeting, Crane gave a preliminary timeline for the new PK-4 elementary building planned for Fairbury.

A schematic design is expected this summer and the design will be reviewed in the fall. This is followed by design development and the writing of construction documents. Bidding could happen next March with actual construction from May 2026 to June 2028. They hope to be moving furniture in the summer of 2028 prior to the August opening of the school in 2028.

Building decisions to be made include choosing an architect. The current district architect, Craig Wright, could be retained while a second one would oversee this specific job. BLDD Architects, which oversaw last year’s informational PACT meetings, could be an option too.

“There are several architects that are very good at what they do,” said board member Brad Duncan, who would like to see someone come in with an open mind.

“It is quality over speed sometimes,” said Fehr. “You need to make sure you are getting things done right.”

Crane told the board they can hire a construction manager for the project and reminded them that Vissering is in our own back yard and has done “excellent” work for the district.

“We have had very good luck with their work.”

A special meeting will be scheduled to present more information and answer questions on the project.

During her superintendent report, Crane revealed she met with Chenoa Mayor David Shane to discuss the Chenoa TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, district. The city is asking for the support of Prairie Central to extend the life of their TIF 1 District.

“They’re trying to entice businesses into the city,” explained Crane.

State law allows units of local government to designate areas in their jurisdiction as TIF districts which dedicate sales tax revenues and additional property tax revenue generated within the district for improvements to encourage new job creation and economic development.

This particular TIF has been around since 2007 and expires in 2030.

“The district would benefit after the end of this if they do bring in a bunch of business,” Crane added, calling for support of the communities Prairie Central serves.

The City of Chenoa is planning on asking legislators for an extension to the TIF.

Jenifer McGowan, K-6 director of curriculum and instruction, summarized an Advisory Council meeting at PC Primary West where school improvement goals were reviewed and positive behavior efforts discussed. At PC Primary East, an update was given on three new goals which revolve around ELA and math.

Handbook proposals were presented by the principals of PC Elementary, Junior High and High School. They use the model student handbook from the Illinois Principals Association.

A free training session will be offered by the Illinois Association of School Boards since the board used the group for its superintendent search.

“I highly recommend it,” said Crane. “I think it would benefit Brian (Quam) and the board to do that.”

Updates were given on the McLean County sales tax which benefits schools in that county, including Prairie Central, which stands to gain $333,000 per year that would be generated through the revenue source. Currently, PC receives slightly over $1 million per year from Livingston County’s sales tax. Funds can be used for technology or repair work and must be used on something with a life expectancy that is stationary.

Prairie Central High School’s graduation is set for Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. with Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the school.

Trips were approved for the girls and boys track teams to attend their respective state meets in Charleston during late May along with an FFA food sciences contest in Joliet.

Board members entered into a contract with Pillips, Salmi & Associates starting with Fiscal Year 2025.

The consent agenda was approved as presented along with the fees and stipend schedule for 2025-2026.