A preliminary budget was presented to members of the Prairie Central Board of Education during the group’s regular July meeting last week.
The budget will not be approved until the September board meeting following a hearing. While it is in a draft form, more information is needed to make the budget more accurate like the amount of funding the state will provide the district. Once payroll has been issued in early September, projections for expenditures on salaries and benefits will be more easily established.
Predicting capital projects will be difficult until facility plans are in place, most likely resulting in a budget amendment later in the school year.
Also at the recent meeting, results were reviewed from a survey sent to families and staff regarding preferences and priorities for the next superintendent. After some discussion, the group approved information for the official vacancy announcement which will be circulated soon within the education community.
Policy updates were authorized by the board which were presented at the June meeting. While updates were not substantial, they included information necessary to keep up with current laws.
The board voted to keep closed session minutes closed as once a year they must decide if they should open them or keep them closed. Members also voted to dispose of the verbatim audio minutes older than 18 months.
Board members learned the ag and IT addition is progressing as planned and is on track to be occupied by August 1. The project is coming in under budget mainly due to the storm drainage and parking lot project. Also, the Junior High roof is being worked on as many issues have been discovered with leaks resolved and additional work progressing.
Superintendent Paula Crane proposed an Innovation Grant for Prairie Central teachers sponsored by the board.
“We would like to encourage and reward innovative ways to get/keep students engaged in learning,” explained Crane. “We will begin with two $500 grants to gauge interest. Board members will be included in choosing the recipients.”
Crane updated the board on current unfilled positions in the district and the most difficult positions to fill will likely be the high school Spanish position and special education positions. Mr. Quam and Dr. McGowan will continue to recruit in these positions and attend career fairs in an effort to attract new teachers.
The consent agenda was approved, including the activity fund report, bills (current and interim), cafeteria report, financial reports, CSFT reports, investment schedule and Treasurer’s Report.
Minutes were approved from the June 20 regular meeting as well as the June 25, June 27, July 1, July 15 and July 16 special meetings.
Following an executive session, the board:
Approved the following individuals for employment:
Robin Behrends, head HS cross country coach, effective 24-25 school year.
Jessica Berger, PCHS paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Jacie Martin, PCE paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Kyra Gadberry, PCE paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Jordan Sem’on-Bey, PCP West paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Heidi Kelson, PCP West paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Summer Buff, PCP East paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Danielle Harper, PCP East paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Kayl Hoffman, bus monitor, effective 24-25 school year.
Nimrod Kodavatikanti, van driver, effective 24-25 school year.
Tiffany Diller, PCHS custodian (pm), effective 24-25 school year.
Tessa Herr, PCP West paraprofessional, effective 24-25 school year.
Amber Maurer, full-time substitute, effective 24-25 school year.
Approved the following resignations:
Jori Vandenberg, PCP East interventionist, effective immediately.
Approved the following transfers, effective the 2024-25 school year:
Deborah Donze from PCP East special education teacher to PCE special education teacher.
Approved the following leave of absence, effective August 22 through September 20, 2024: Kristen Berhhard, PCHS paraprofessional.
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