Putnam County Community Unit School District 535

The meeting included SIP presentations from the School Improvement Teams, providing overviews of each building's School Improvement Plan. The Superintendent reported on the tentative tax levy and the upcoming Johannes Bus contract proposal. The board approved a facilities proposal from Larson & Darby Group with an amendment, increased pay rates for athletic officials at Putnam County High School, and approved an updated job description for the Administrative Assistant/Student Data Specialist position. The IASB Resolution and constitutional amendments were reviewed. The board moved into an executive session and later approved the Superintendent's goals for 2025-2026, accepted resignations, and approved new hires.

The meeting included discussion of a tentative tax levy, special education programming, a transportation agreement renewal proposal from Johannes, and an overview of CD investments. The Board of Education considered the option with a $3.98 rate as the best consideration for the District at this time. Early estimates of adding a special education classroom at PCPS would be a slight expenditure over current outplacement expenses, but it is anticipated that it would save money over time.

The special meeting included a facilities assessment presentation by Larson & Darby Group, followed by a question and answer session. Questions were raised about building consolidation, soft costs, tax levies, facility upgrades, educational space improvements, enrollment trends, asbestos abatement, wastewater treatment, building demolition, trust in the assessment, ADA compliance, classroom updates, the district's financial situation compared to previous years, staff input, prioritization of items, secure entrances, enrollment considerations, updates to 2025 standards, comparison of assessment plans, tax dollar allocation, risk assessment, tax benefits from reassessment, and consideration of programs and the well at PCJH.

The meeting included a presentation on facilities analysis from Darby and Larson Group, during which Mr. Steve Nelson reviewed the Facility Assessment completed over the summer, followed by a Q&A session. The board scheduled a community presentation for September 9 at the High School Auditorium. Additionally, Dr. Theisinger presented a financial overview of the district.

The meeting addressed the status of buildings, enrollment for the start of the school year, and open houses at the schools. The board discussed the Athletic Boosters Golf outing and the PCEF Board of Trustees. There was a first reading on PRESS 119. The board approved the Village of Granville Grant for Safe Routes to School and the Tentative FY26 Budget, with a hearing scheduled for the following month. A community information meeting was set for September 9, 2025, to discuss potential options for the plan moving forward. The board moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters and security procedures, followed by accepting resignations and hiring basketball coaches.