Andrea VanLeer

The meeting agenda was revised to remove the Salt Fork Spotlight and School Reports. Public Expression included a presentation of a check for $2187.40 from Eastern Illini Electric Co-op and a student's suggestion regarding a retake policy for tests. The Consent Agenda involved the employment of a new assistant volleyball coach, a transfer of a Special Education Aide, and the approval of several volunteers. Key new business items included the recommendation to approve a Tax Levy, which proposed a 4.70% increase totaling an additional $355,075 in revenue, and the recommendation to apply for a $50,000 School Maintenance Project Grant for the North Elementary Roof Replacement Project. The Board also discussed and agreed to move forward with signing a Letter of Intent regarding a Tax Abatement Agreement and Community Benefit Agreement proposal concerning the Tilton Solar project, which could accelerate revenue access for the district. Finally, the Payment of Bills was approved after a query regarding the purpose of a Freeze Dryer for Agriculture.

The regular meeting included a closed session for discussions concerning personnel and collective bargaining, followed by a return to open session. The consent agenda involved the approval of human resources recommendations, including new employment for coaches and the resignation of several staff members. Key administrator reports noted that all four district schools achieved a Summative Designation of Commendable, and provided an update on the South Sprinkler System issue. New business included the approval of the Annual Audit Report and the approval to employ a Volleyball Coach. The Board reviewed and approved the first reading of numerous Board PRESS Policies, with a specific recommendation against mandating instruction on the Irish famine for policy 7:150. Discussions also covered using a $50,000 matching state grant for the North Elementary roof replacement project. Finally, the Board deliberated on the Tax Levy, agreeing to increase it by 4.99% to address the projected FY27 salary/benefits cost increase and the FY26 budget deficit.

The meeting included a presentation by Coach Mills and Coach Richardson with the OSF Ladies Cross Country Team. The board approved a DARE Agreement and an Intergovernmental Agreement with St. Joseph Community Consolidated School District #169 regarding IERMPA Medical Insurance. The arrangement allows Salt Fork to pay the insurance premium for a spouse of their employee that works at St. Joseph Community Consolidated School District #169 where the spouse can be added to their family insurance. The board then entered into a closed session for personnel matters and later returned to open session. Administrator reports were also presented.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the FY26 budget, which estimates a deficit. Discussion was held regarding the South Campus Fire Pump and Storage Tank Project, as well as the Fire Alarm Replacement Project, with the board exploring cost-effective solutions. The board also discussed and took action on various items, including approving the FY26 budget, a resolution to regulate expense reimbursements, a request for early graduation, and the 2026-2027 school calendar. Additionally, reports were presented by administrators, and the board entered into a closed session for personnel matters and student placements.

The agenda included a public hearing regarding the FY26 Budget, discussion of the South Campus Fire Pump and Storage Tank Project and Fire Alarm Replacement Project, and a recommendation to approve GHR fee proposals for these projects. The board also considered human resources recommendations, payment of bills, administrator reports, the FY26 Budget's second reading, a resolution to regulate expense reimbursements, a request for early graduation, and the 2026-2027 school calendar.