District 300 Makes Budget Despite State Shortfalls

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Du Quoin Board of Education Thursday inked a new contract with MV transportation, put together its bonding plan for the new Du Quoin High School and approved a new cooperative agreement with the City of Du Quoin on acceptance of the proceeds of a half-cent sales tax for the purpose of funding the local share of new school bonding.

The board heard information on the District's intent to sell School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds in the amount of $3,500,000, Funding Bonds in the amount of $950,000 and General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) in the amount of $6,000,000. No public comment was given.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly reviewed the 2009-2010 year end budget outcome with the board. The district finished the year with a balanced budget in spite of the state owing the district a total of $540,498 in categorical aid for the past fiscal year. The superintendent and board also began discussion regarding the development of the 2010-2011 school year budget

The Board approved an extension of the District transportation contract with MV Student Transportation for the 2011-2012 school year. The contract extension includes a cost increase factor tied to the District receiving state aid and categorical aid in a timely manner for the duration of the contract extension. The extension will provide the same services for transportation in the 2010-2011 school year.

The Board designated the superintendent as the district designated signatory of all contracts (after formally approved by the Board) associated with the high school construction project.

The board designed the superintendent and business manager Cory Robbins as owner's representatives for the high school construction project.

Jerry Smith, school district attorney, shared with the board the present status of the imminent purchase of the Big S Transport (Siefert family) property.

Paul Lunsford, district architect shared with the board an update on the renovation phase of the high school construction project. The board authorized the district architect to develop the bid specifications for portable structures that will be used during the renovation of the west end of the high school facility. Initially two portable structures will be used as four teaching stations will be displaced during this phase of the construction project. The Board also authorized the district architect to proceed with the design of the new high school facility (large phase portion of the project).

The Board adopted a resolution authorizing and directing the execution of the amended intergovernmental agreement by and between the City of DuQuoin, Perry County, Illinois and Community Unit School District Number 300, Perry County, Illinois.

The Board approved a special meeting to be held on Thursday July 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

The Board entered into executive session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. The Board returned to open session at 8:18 p.m.

The Board accepted a letter of intent to retire from Gayla Hammel, a High School Special Education Instructional Aide in accordance with the Board/DEA contract effective at the end of 2012. The Board employed Charles Montgomery as the Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball (7th Grade) Coach for the 2010-2011 school year.