Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey submitted this report.
Facility updates moved the monthly River Bend School Board meeting to the Regional Office and a welcome environment of maskless faces, on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
Public comments from interested citizens offered an opportunity for Kyle Folk to challenge the Board, with concerns. He felt the following were important conversations for future Board considerations:
- future forced masking and vaccinations
- Sexual Education schedule
- racial segregation
- learning prohibition based on SKILLS.
Reports from the facility upgrade contractor (CTS Group) stated that upgrades on the third floor were complete. Second floor and gym were due for completion by July. Middle School changes were 50% complete, with scheduled completion prior to opening school in the fall.
Bob Gosch, Fulton High School Principal, presented a “Sponsor the Steamer Suite” concept. It would allow the community businesses, families, and/or organizations to utilize the revamped room overlooking the gymnasium. Sponsorship of the room and rental fees for usage could support the school and enhance community involvement in the 50+ activities that are held in the gymnasium each year.
In Action items, the Board approved the following.
- A 2021-22 amended budget totaling $10,629,850 and that ends in a deficit of $281,466.
- The job description for a Certified Math Interventionist and position (position to be funded by Title 1 funds, EBG and Esser lll funds.)
- Co-op the Girls and Boys Cross Country team with Morrison High School for 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.
- Co-op the Girls Swimming teams with Morrison High School for 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.
- Renew 2021-22 Property and Casualty and School Board Legal Liability Package with Dykstra and Law.
- Authorized Superintendent Hogue to seek annual fuel bids.
- Declared 60 Health books and unused classroom furniture to be listed as surplus.
- Gifts to the District were accepted: a) $3000 from State of Illinois for Back to Books grant; b) $750 from the Secretary of State for the State Library Grant; c) $1500 from D. S. Flikkema grant to be used for Milk for Kids.