Kirtus French

The board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The timeline for an Ed Fund Referendum/Feasibility Study was reviewed, including the district's debt limits and outstanding bond issues. The board also discussed the possibility of a consolidation with AC-Central and the potential for issuing working cash bonds. The official election results from April 1, 2025, were approved, and new board members were seated. The board also discussed procedures for filling a vacant seat. The 2025-2026 regular monthly board meeting location, starting time, and dates were approved. The superintendent reported on resignations, FMLA, enrollment, a co-op agreement with AC-Central, and new courses. Reports were also given by the elementary, central, and junior/senior high principals. The board approved several FY26 certified positions and coaching positions.

This document outlines a debt restructuring plan for Menard Co. CUSD 202 (PORTA), encompassing a 13-year refunded bond issue and $3.7 million in new money. The plan aims to refinance existing debt and spread payments from 2024 through 2037, freeing up operating funds. Key objectives include lowering annual debt payments from approximately $2.8-$3.0 million to about $750,000 per year starting in 2027, thereby freeing up roughly $2.3 million annually for school operations. This strategy is designed to break the borrowing cycle, ensure debt repayment without increasing the current tax rate, and ultimately allow tax dollars to be directly used for educating students after the 13-year period.

The strategic vision of PORTA CUSD 202 is to empower every Bluejay to soar by providing diverse learning opportunities that foster each student's unique journey toward future success. It values creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, fostering student potential through excellence, building a thriving community of unity and success, empowering students for positive impact, and equipping minds for an ever-changing world.

The 2016 Strategic Plan for Porta Community Unit School District #202 focuses on providing a supportive environment for student success. Key areas include fiscal responsibility, maintaining safe and efficient facilities, transparent communication, strong leadership, high-quality academic offerings, extracurricular activities, and community engagement. Measurable objectives are set across various areas, including student achievement (ACT/SAT scores, graduation rates, college readiness), career and college preparation course offerings, student engagement, family engagement, character education, and fiscal responsibility. The plan outlines strategic work areas such as community/family engagement, course alignment, student achievement, student engagement, low-income achievement, fiscal responsibility, and student growth, each with specific objectives, tasks, metrics, and timelines.