The Charleston area school district meeting recently discussed a variety of sensitive topics, as well as its plans to survive the state budget impasse.
The Charleston area school district meeting recently discussed a variety of sensitive topics, as well as its plans to survive the state budget impasse.
Coles and Cumberland counties’ Community Unit School District No. 1 held a special meeting on Nov. 11 at the administration building, located at 410 West Polk Ave., Charleston, to tackle two important, time-sensitive issues.
Members present included President Jason Coe, Vice President Charles Jarrell, Secretary Susan Daniels, Treasurer Kelly Miller, Scott Clarke, Ron Miller and Kevin Oakley. Staff members — Superintendent Jim Littleford and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Todd Vilardo — were also in attendance.
In a closed session, the members reviewed two private issues: selecting two finalists for a part-time financial consulting position and handling a complaint received about an employee to determine its overall validity.
Immediately following the closed session, the Central Office Administration and Board of Education held a planning workshop to discuss the financial goals of the district and plan for the future. Littleford delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the district’s financial challenges and potential revenue alternatives.
Littleford noted that since the district's budget reserves are dropping due to the State of Illinois’ budget impasse, it was time to seek alternative revenue methods or institute reductions. Among his suggestions were to sell bonds, seek a tax rate referendum, pursue “the one percent sales tax,” obtain support via community partnerships and grants and borrow against future tax revenue.
His request for the Board of Education to reach a consensus yielded a productive discussion. Comments revealed a low level of public trust alongside some very real needs, such as the necessity of replacing unsafe bleachers at the Charleston Middle School.
Littleford closed by stating his intention to convene the following meeting at the CHS auditorium for adequate seating capacity — and by promising to alert the local press to solicit public input for the district’s financial future.
Alerts Sign-up