Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report and took the photograph.
Prior to the Wednesday, September 22, 2021, River Bend Board of Education meeting, a budget hearing was held to allow the public an opportunity to question the FY2022 budget, that was to be voted on for approval. No comments/questions were offered, and the meeting was adjourned.
Kerrie Kenny, right, of Fulton Central Bank, presented a check to Darryl Hogue, River Bend District Superintendent, to be used for Special Development needs within the School District.
Comments from a few disturbed parents followed the funding presentation. The Board’s authority was questioned about mandatory masking. Comments challenged the legality and the School procedures of notification. Sara Pessman expressed her feelings [about] student quarantines, stating, “The School doesn’t have the right to enforce.” After reading her multi-page complaint, she closed stating that the School’s actions to date were “absurd.” Pessman’s address was followed by comments from Eric Pessman, who focused on teacher assignments that he felt showed “racism” and taught hate. He also added his disapproval of the way the Administration is handling the assignment of restrooms, to [accommodate] transgender students. Kale Folk addressed the Board, “Are well-being and education driving our school?” He [felt] that “Fear is in control” and questioned if the focus is on the students. He ended with the questions, “When does it end?” and “What is our way out?”
Legal protocol does not allow the Board to respond to public comments, but President Portz noted the penalties that accompany the failure to follow State mandates. Severe financial loss to the District and student accreditation are at risk, if the mandates are ignored, noted Portz.
Action items voted upon included:
1) unanimous approval of FY2022 Budget ($13,089,610.44)
2) approval of the ISBE School Maintenance Grant Application ($50,000), that will be used to offset the cost of the Fulton High School bathroom remodeling project
3) approval Culinary Arts Club, where students cater events held in the newly formed Steamer Suite, in the High School
4) Approval the first reading of the revision to Policy 5:220 to increase the pay rate for substitute teachers
5) agreed to allow the posting of 2021-2022 projected Administrative compensation report and the Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefit Report, for the school year 2021
6) approval of the new Activity Account for the Fulton High School Hall of Fame
7) approved the bid for snow removal for the 2021-2022 school year
8) approved declaring 100 desktop computers and 37 monitors as “surplus goods” and allowing disposal in an appropriate manner
9) accepted gifts to the District from First Reformed Church proceeds from the “Back to School” auto show, in the amount of $2600.
The public is invited to attend the next scheduled Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the Fulton High School.