Individual state wrestling champions were honored by members of the Prairie Central Board of Education during the group’s regular March meeting.
Board president Mark Slagel read proclamations for both Logan Deacetis and Brandon Hoselton.
“We thank you along with your supportive parents for your dedication to the Prairie Central wrestling program,” Slagel said. “We are proud of the continued hard work and dedication you have shown.”
Hawk fans and everyone at PCHS look forward to future accomplishments from the pair as they are both sophomores currently.
In another matter Tuesday night, the school board voted to allow music education in Kindergarten and first grade at no additional cost to the district utilizing existing personnel and materials. The district’s music instructors have been meeting with administrators to see if it is possible to get music into the primary schools with the current staff.
“This would involve four teachers trying to shuffle all of the music in the district,” Superintendent Paula Crane told the board.
Current high school choir director Todd Cheek will work with the younger students in Chenoa and Chatsworth in addition to his other responsibilities, according to fellow music department instructors.
“Having some instruction there is worthwhile,” noted board member John Wilken.
“It sounds like there are enough substantial changes in the music department going on to drive this opportunity,” added member Corey Steffen, referring to the blending of the treble and concert choirs.
Crane called the effort “out of the box thinking and tweaking” by music department staff. There would be travel involved and mileage would be the district’s only additional expense for reintroducing music to the younger grades.
“I think it’s great just to see you guys working together,” stated member Tim McGreal.
During her superintendent report, Crane reviewed several bills pending in the legislature. She is concerned about the potential cost of a bill which would require schools to offer enough college credit to get an associate’s degree.
“It’s just something definitely to watch,” Crane said.
Crane also discussed a diversity bill which she feels could be interesting for the communities Prairie Central serves. Also, Senate Bill 1694 would add a workforce readiness course required for graduation.
The board also learned that plans are coming along for a new main entrance and office space at the high school. This involves visitors stopping at a check-in window.
“A lot of business parents have at the high school level can be taken care of at that window,” Crane explained.
McGreal suggested leaving room for metal detectors as that could be a requirement for schools someday.
“I think it would be wise to keep that in the back of your mind.”
In other business, the Prairie Central Board:
-Approved the fee schedule.
-Authorized IHSA membership.
-Granted a request for the Junior High student council to attend a state convention.
