The Fieldcrest Board of Education approved the FY20 Budget at their monthly meeting Wednesday night in Toluca. The anticipated revenue for the education fund is $9,764,171,a slight increase from last year's $9,716,746 while the expected expenses for FY20 is $10,035,552 compared to last year's $9,715,031 although Superintendent Dr. Dan Oakley expected expenses to be under $10,000,000. The education fund represents 80% of the school's expenses.
Dr. Oakley said 6 retirements are expected in the next 3 years and he expects the budget to be close to even for the next several years. He mentioned a potential increase in revenue from 2 new wind farms in the area and also more tax revenue from expiring TIF funds. For more information on the budget,
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In other business, the board approved the bid by Valor Technologies, Inc., for $62,712.00 to remove asbestos and mold from the former Presbyterian church building. This number is far less than the estimate of $125,000-$150,000 given by IDEAL Engineering, in a FAQ issued by the school last week.
The board approved $23,500 to ESCO of Toluca for maintenance and upgrades to the lighting at the football field in Veterans Park. The improvements include 5/16" safety chain/cable for fixtures on 9 poles, 9 - three position wrap-around crossarms, and 2 - two position wrap-around crossarms. At the last city council meeting the City of Minonk's Finance Committee recommended that the city approve the installation of 31 new light bulbs and other improvements at the football field which could amount to $25,000 and will be voted on at the next city council meeting.
The board approved an extended leave of absence for Charles Volker for a period of 28 days starting January 6, 2020. The board also acknowledged the resignation of Jeff Keller as school bus driver.
The board approved a request to the State of Illinois for a waiver on exceeding the 5% limit on an increase in administrative expenses. The waiver is necessary because the hiring of Dr. Kari Rockwell as an assistant Superintendent increased administrative costs by 30%.
The board approved the early graduation for Ashley Krischel who intends to attend Heartland College next semester and approved expenses of $397.74 for Andrea Whisker for attendance at the WNEA workshop.
Dr. Rockwell said there will be an open house for "Stuff the Bus" on Thursday, Sept. 26th at the Intermediate school in Toluca where people can bring non-perishable food items to help support the community food banks. She also mentioned that she has received 3 questions for the "Meet the Board" forum to be held at the Rutland American Legion on Oct. 9th.
Dr. Rockwell said she has been interviewing area police officers for information about having a resource officer for the school's buildings. Board member Charles Lohr suggested that a survey for the public be made on the desirability and/or the type of resource officer that would be needed.
Jacob Wall, Fieldcrest Intermediate School Principal, gave a presentation on the school's activities.