Pinckneyville High School raising student fees

The tentative budget for Pinckneyville Community High School for the coming school year Monday was presented and placed on file for 30 days. The budget predicts a $600,000 shortfall in the Education Fund. District 101 continues to suffer from unfulfilled General State Aid payments.

In an effort to align revenue and expenditures in some areas, the board established a $50 athletic participation fee per student with a maximum family rate of $100, increased the driver's education fee to $75, increased lunch prices by 25 cents and increased the parking pass fee to $5. The cost for breakfast will be $1.50, student lunches will be $2.50 and adult lunches will be $3.

In other business, the board:

• heard from a group of citizens who would like to rename the football field after former Coach Gary Glenzy.

• heard from Superintendent Keith Hagene that work on the new press box has begun. Steel for the box has been ordered. Concrete pads for bleachers are being installed and the district is getting estimates for fencing and completion of a sidewalk around the track. The Pre-K play area is moving forward; equipment has been ordered. Contractors are beginning to address punch list items in readiness for the final walk through and 12-month inspection. The district received a $12,400 matching maintenance grant to be used on security and accessibility.

• hired Lindsay Kellerman as volunteer golf coach, Allen Englehardt as head softball coach, Luke Montgomery, Taylor Beninati and Brad walker as volunteer assistant football coaches.

• Greg Hale was hired as tournament coordinator at a rate of $2,000.

• accepted the resignation of Jim Gibson as WYSE team sponsor.

• agreed to allow PCHS students to participate in IHSA rodeo events.

• passed a motion to continue to allow PCHS Band Director Steven Cannedy to serve as a teacher/consultant for Tamaroa District #5 music program.