Du Quoin School Board Votes $1.528 Million Bond Sale for New High School Technology
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[They're not at the end of construction on the new Du Quoin High School, but at least they can see it from here.
Because of that, the Du Quoin Board of Education Monday voted to sell $1.528 million in what's known as "working cash bonds" to buy all of the new technology and furniture for the new high school before it opens.
All told, the new school will be built with something approaching $13 million in capital development funding and something over $6 million in local bonding. That's slightly over what the board hoped for, but still in the ballpark of what the district felt it would have to spend to build and open the new DHS.
Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly said the final $1.528 million will have everything in place to equip and open the new building, probably around the Columbus Day holiday, a four-day weekend for students.
Last week, one of the portable classrooms was moved from DHS to the old J.B. Ward school site for use by Tri-County Education's "Choices" program. It gets the building out of the way so that by summer's end contractors can start tearing out the old gymnasium lobby.
"We hope to start doing punch list items (on the new building) the end of August," said Dr. Kelly.
The final bonding piece melts everything together. He said the total of $6 million in bonds brings together any old and new debt and puts it on an easy payment plan which will rely on the city's half-cent sales tax--already in place--to pay off those bonds. He said the income from that tax has grown to over $400,000 a year and added that the district is very appreciative of the community's support of this new school and, at every turn, the board hopes to give back to return the favor in terms of a higher standard of education.
Once the old high school building is torn down, contractors only have a front entrance and office areas to complete. New restrooms at the football stadium should finish the entire new high school project.
In other action, the board of education recognized and thanked three individuals that have recently completed their terms as members of the District #300 Educational Foundation Board. Mary Jo Novak, and John Vancil were given plaques to recognize their six years of service to the Foundation board with Dan Fulk being recognized for his six years of service but was not able to be in attendance.
Myra Gant addressed the board concerning an attendance issue related to a non-school related trip to Washington D.C. her granddaughter participated in during the past spring. While she received an excused absence to make the trip, the time spent on the trip still counts as an absence because it was a non-school event.
Nicole Heape, Director of the Du Quoin Youth Club addressed the Board regarding the transportation of school age students from the K-8 school to the Youth Club after school program. The district does what it can to get students to that non-district facility unless there is a transportation scheduling conflict. Dr. Kelly said that as the state continues to cut transportation funding that courtesy may be harder to deal with.
The Superintendent reviewed the 2011-2012 year end budget figures and discussed the continued development FY 2013 school district budget.
The board approved several board policy updates and changes as provided by the IASB policy service.
The board approved a revision to the athletic/extra-curricular policy as presented by the high school athletic director.
The board president appointed Zach McPherson as a member of the Board of Education to the District #300 Educational Foundation Board.
Board members Joe Day and Charles Rice shared with the board a recent meeting with members of the Perry County Soccer Association concerning the potential high school cooperative soccer program with Pinckneyville High School. That co-op proposal is still a work in progress. It's future depends on the cost and involvement of athletes. Most Du Quoin coaches like the proposal, but do not want it to cannibalize the participation in other sports.
The Board entered into executive session at 7:38 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. The Board returned to regular session at 8:23 p.m.
The Board transferred fourth grade teacher Jessica Lore to a first grade teaching position for the 2012-2013 school year.
The board employed Kasi Camden as high school assistant volleyball coach for the 2012-2013 school year.
The board adjourned at 8:32 p.m.