The Fieldcrest Board of Education agreed at their monthly meeting Wednesday night to hold a public meeting on Dec. 3rd to discuss the direction the board should take in resolving the school's building issue . With 72% of the voters turning down the referendum at last week's election, Fieldcrest Superintendent Dr. Dan Oakley said the message from the public was loud and clear.
Dr. Oakley told the board members to think of the options available and be prepared to discuss them in the Dec. 3rd meeting in which the public will be invited to submit questions and opinions.
Board member Charles Lohr said he was concerned about the lack of attendance at the previous public meetings on the school building issue and suggested a flyer be sent out listing the various options the board can take and let the public respond.
In other business the board rejected a motion to renew the bus leasing contract for $353,745 from Central States Bus Sales. Board members Mykin Bernardi, Elizabeth Palm, Charles Lohr and Kimberly McKay voted against the contract. Mr. Lohr and Ms. Bernardi both argued that it is time to get a second quote on bus leasing.
Before the vote Dr. Oakley said he would like to replace the van used to transport special ed students with a bus citing safety concerns.
Mr. Lohr suggested the school look into farming out the bus transportation like Streator. However, board member Scott Hillenburg said the board looked into that possibility but rejected it because he felt it important that local bus drivers are needed since they are more apt to know the students they are transporting. Board President Joe Kirkpatrick mentioned that leasing for 2 years saves on gas because newer buses with better fuel economy are used. Dr. Oakley also mentioned that having a turnover every 2 years eliminates the need for repairs and maintenance.
The board decided to look for another quote on bus leasing after the discussion.
Dr. Oakley said the ESSA report for the Fieldcrest school district showed commendable ratings for the primary, intermediate and high school and under performing for the middle school. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the reauthorization of the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the country's national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.
Dr. Oakley said there will be a meeting on January 23rd at the primary school in Minonk for a building tour that the board and public will be invited to in order to view the changes and upgrades to the building.
Primary school Principal Jason Chaplin said the students eligible for free lunches at the various schools in the district are not taking advantage of the program as much as they could. Mr. Chaplin said as you go up in the grades, the percentage of those eligible for free lunches who actually partake of the lunches declines. He mentioned that 67% of the eligible students in the second grade take the lunches while only 43% of the eligible students in the Senior class take the lunches. He said he is looking to see how to increase the percentage of participation.