Pinckneyville teachers air concerns about layoffs in the district
The Pinckneyville High School Board of Education met in regular session this week.
PCHS teacher Mike Cheek addressed the board on behalf of the PHEA with concerns over Reductions in Force and ongoing cuts in the budget. Community members Chawn Jausel and Jennifer Wright each spoke on behalf of Ms. Jacqueline White-Brand who was released under the Reductions in Force actions of the March 23 meeting.
Superintendent Hagene provided an update on recent repairs to the building and summer work plans. FGM Architects has agreed to cover the costs associated with re-routing the roof drainage system on the new locker rooms and the auxiliary gym.
Superintendent Hagene provided updates on the FY16 budget development process in Springfield. It is not likely that a budget will be in place by the end of the fiscal year. House Bills HB317 and HB318 reduced expected revenue from the state by an additional $30,118. Public Act PA 90-0001 provided an additional $97,000,000 to be distributed to the most "financially distressed" school districts in the state based on the ISBE Financial Status rating system. As a result PCHS #101 will realize a net loss by HB317 and HB318 of $7898. The total revenue loss for FY15 is as follows:
Loss of two categorical payments = ($109,962)
Loss of General State Aid via Proration = ($141,186)
Additional 2.25% State Aid Reduction = ($30,118)
Total Loss = ($281,266)
Receipts from PA90-0001= $22,180
Net Loss for FY15 = ($259, 086)
As of the meeting the Tax Levy Extension for FY16 was not available. The Superintendent is collecting proposals for the sale of Working Cash Bonds near the end of FY15 or early in FY16.
A clerical error by the Superintendent left the agenda item off of the agendas sent to the media and posted outside the meeting location. The item was tabled until the next meeting.
The County School Facilities Tax passed at the April 7th election with 1,924 votes For and 1,804 Against. At this time the County Clerk's office and the Regional Superintendent's office are responsible for filing the proper paperwork with the Illinois Department of Revenue. The tax will go into effect on July 1 and we should begin to see the revenue stream begin in September or October. The money will be deposited into Fund 60 - Capitol Projects. When it is needed for maintenance projects it will have to be transferred to Fund 20 - Operations and Maintenance or to Fund 30 - Debt Service for use as payment on bonds.
The District will undergo an annual review by the Regional Office of Education on April 30. The District underwent a routine surprise inspection and had a few minor items to address ranging from storage to extension cords.
The Board approved a trip request to St. Louis for Junior Class members who reached their magazine sales incentive. They will be attending the Cardinals game on May 7. The Board approved the amended 2014-2015 school calendar and the proposed 2015-2016.
The last day for students will be May 22nd and will be a 12:30 dismissal for students. Faculty will work the afternoon wrapping up their end-of-year duties.
The 2015-2016 public school calendar adopted at this time will be submitted to the ROE for approval. The calendar has us beginning the school year with two teacher institute days on August 13th and 14th. The students will begin on August 17th with a full day of attendance.
The Board entered closed session for the purposes of discussing Appointment, Employment, Compensation and Performance of Employees and Student Discipline at 7:08pm. The Board returned to open session at 7:42pm
The Board approved a motion to employ Chelsea Hafford as Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2015 - 2016 school year. Roll Call Vote 6-0
The meeting adjourned at 7:46pm. 6 ayes and 0 nays