On new business, the board heard from Bridger Bailey concerning the installation of a solar farm at the K-12 in Albion. The solar installation would, include 30 acres of the district’s farmland. The incentive for the district would be a $50,000 bonus to the district and a $10,000 scholarship to students. The agreement could last up to 24 years with extensions. The district could also benefit by lower electric costs for the buildings. The board voted to allow Bow Renewables with Bridger also to review the district electric bills and then set up a meeting as early as next month to discuss the plan further. The solar field would be located west of the football field. The board approved the tentative tax levy for the 23-24 year.
The total levy amount shows an overall increase of 8.4% which needs a truth and taxation hearing which will be held prior to the November school board meeting.
The board approved selling surplus items, including a 1998 bus and a 2009 Dodge Caravan.
The board approved the donation of $2119 for a kickball game at the West Salem grade school donated by the West Salem grade school P T O.
Superintendent Cowger during his comments told of the board goals meeting recent which recently discussed at that special meeting where the addition of more vocational classes at the website update, dual credit options and possibly more vocational programs. More discussion about a rapid entry plan and the addition of key fobs to make security tighter in the schools.
The cafeteria report looks to be in the red by $43,000. At this point, however the cost of food has taken a jump here lately which has played havoc with the district’s food budget. Superintendent Cowger told the board that the recent audit by ISBE had no findings for the district which is good news.
After the executive session, the board voted to accept the resignation of teachers, Mary Sue Zellers who will be retiring at the end of the year as well as Patty Williams for retirement, at the end of the 23 24 school year. The board also accepted the resignation of Alicia Jones. The board voted to employ long-term substitutes Ora Lee Jefferson and Heather Young and voted to employ Alicia Jones as a teacher’s aide. The board also voted on a motion to deny admission to school events for the remainder of the school year for three individuals