Gene Birdsell

The budget includes estimated beginning and ending fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures for various functions such as instruction, support services, community services, and payments to other districts and government units. It covers various funds including educational operations & maintenance, debt service, transportation, municipal retirement/social security, capital projects, working cash, tort, and fire prevention & safety. Key areas include ad valorem taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, tuition, transportation fees, earnings on investments, food service, district/school activity income, textbook income, and other revenue from local sources. The budget also details state and federal grants, including special education, career and technical education, bilingual education, and transportation grants.

This Use of Funds Plan outlines how ARP ESSER funds will be utilized to address the academic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas of focus include: additional reading and math intervention; teacher support and credit recovery; social-emotional support; ELL support; and technology access. The plan details continued funding for previously implemented initiatives, such as the District Literacy Coach, Math Specialists, and High School Credit Recovery Specialist, as well as new initiatives such as additional social-emotional support at the middle and elementary levels and continued purchase of Panorama & Crisis GO survey tools. The plan emphasizes ongoing consultation with stakeholders and communication updates as needed.

The strategic plan focuses on setting up the district for the long term with programming and education. It is based on five goals: student success; workforce that reflects the community; equitable, safe, and inclusive environments; family and community partnerships; and efficient use of resources. The plan includes analyzing facilities and partnering with an architecture firm.

The meeting included recognition of Columbus Elementary School's National Blue Ribbon School Award. Building reports were provided, and the Superintendent's report covered updates on the Strategic Planning Committee, Community Listening Circles, the Teacher Technology Committee, and the Joint Annual Conference. Action items included approvals of resignations, retirements, employments, transfers, stipends, and an intergovernmental agreement. A student discipline matter was addressed, resulting in a two-year expulsion. Discussion items included the first reading of Policy 330: Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and the proposed 2020-2021 school calendar.

The 2022-2027 Strategic Plan for Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 outlines the district's mission, vision, objectives, and strategies for the next five years. It emphasizes the importance of each student achieving their own success, supported by a mission statement, vision, and values adopted by the Board of Education in January 2022.