School board reviews report card
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Tavia Jean
Breeze-Courier Writer
(TAYLORVILLE) — The Taylorville School Board held their regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday in the school district office. All board members were present, and there were no comments from the public.
Anita Brown, curriculum director, presented the Illinois District Report Cards saying Taylorville High School, Memorial and North all rate as commendable schools according to state standards. The high school received a rating of exemplary.
The data shows test scores and access to resources that students need to have a positive learning environment are going up. However, the school is still working on other learning gaps that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic. These needs are contact and connection-based. They are helping learners interact with the world around them in a positive learning environment with hands-on activities. The other concern is absentee ratings.
The district says they have been creative in their attempts to help the students reach their attendance potential while trying to respect boundaries.
For more information on the district report card, visit (tcusd3.org/page/district-information) and click on the link titled “Illinois Interactive Report Card.”
Discussion and approval of the amendment to the professional services agreement with Architechnics Inc. to move forward with Option A Phase 1, the completing an expandable gymnasium first and the performing arts center second, was approved with Dr. Ron Mizer and Tom Finks abstaining.
Philpot added that adjustments could be made during the next meeting with the architects.
Mizer has been an outspoken critic over the building project and said he believes the funds are sufficient enough to create a facility that fits all needs.
During the consent agenda, Dr. Mizer made a motion to amend the minutes from the Oct. 10, 2023 meeting under new business action 9, to read “Option A, Phase 1.” The motion was approved.
Wendy Dulakis provided the treasurers report and the November claims which was approved by the board. Dukakis also provided a review of the tax levy stating the board will need to have a truth in taxation hearing. Illinois School Code requires the estimated levy to be presented to the Board of Education 20 days before the adoption. The levy will be adopted at the Dec. 12, 2023, Board meeting. A Truth in Taxation Hearing will be required as the current levy is set to exceed the legal limit with the district in a tax-capped county.
An offer of $199,000 for the building trades house, located at 828 W. Vandeveer Drive, of was approved.
Interim Superintendent Deborah Philpot gave her report, praising the school’s many successful programs, like the National Champion FFA team and the high school cross country team’s success at the state meet.
The board also considered and approved the overnight trip for the girl’s bowling team with best wishes for the team’s success.
For new business, the Christian County CEO Program provided background on recent events in which the group has participated. The CEO Program sought approval for their FY2024 CEO contract. President Bill Meyers began with comments praising the program for its positive student outcomes. Drew Mickey spoke on the CEO student’s recent trip to businesses in Chicago. The Christian County CEO contract was approved unanimously by the board.
The discussion for IASB resolutions presented at the October meeting was approved and Brenda Patrick provided monthly liaison information. The board voted to approve Carla Micky to be the representative of the district at this weekend’s state school board convention.
The Board went into executive session at 7:58 p.m. to discuss the interview process for the Superintendent search. The committee ended the executive session at 9:52 p.m.
The board did not take any action and adjourned at 9:56 p.m. The next board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2023, and the Board hopes to have a tour of the new classroom.
