Written by Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey.
At the monthly meeting of the Morrison Community School District 6 on Monday, May 15, 2023, the Board was introduced to the proposed 2023-24 annual fiscal budget ($-194,000) for consideration and discussion, before future approval at the June meeting. Superintendent Scott Vance noted that the proposed budget was an improvement over the $-235,000 operating budget of the current year.
Action items receiving approval were headed by the invitation for competing in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference, for athletic competition in the 2024-25 school year. The approval vote received a unanimous acceptance. The Conference comprises 20 small, public high schools and one small, private school. Enrollments are between 60-340 students in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.
The action to replace the Northside gym floor was tabled, due to the lack of prevailing wages being included in the submitted bids.
The fundraiser supporting Post Prom activities was unanimously approved. Details and dates would be following in school publication notices.
The futures of the continuation of the offering of Golf and Swimming as selective sports options were discussed. Costs related to the hiring of Coaches and transportation for the sports that have experienced declining participation numbers were the key considerations. The final decision will take place at the June Board meeting.
The fee schedule for extracurricular activities, which currently is dependent on the number of activities in which the student participates, was considered to be a simple $300 per student, regardless of the number of activities included in the future. The possibility of adding a class fee per student was also discussed, as a funding option in an attempt to reduce the deficit that currently existed. Further options and considerations would be forthcoming at future meetings.
In final action, the Board approved the hiring of Chelsea Eads as the Head Softball Coach of the Morrison Fillies and Nathan Vandermyde as the Head Football Coach of the Morrison Mustangs, for the 2023-24 school year.