Unit 40 Board Discusses Transportation Software

Effingham Unit 40 school board members heard a presentation on a transportation software system.

Transportation Director Kristen Harvey said anything now done manually would be routed through the system, and would be used with all district vehicles, not just buses. Harvey said the software would take care of routing and weather issues, and would track fleet maintenance.

Two board members were not present, so the item was tabled until the November 14 meeting.

The tentative fiscal year tax levy was approved, with final action at a future meeting. Superintendent Andrew Johnson noted that the equalized assessed valuation of the district would be impacted by one of the city's Tax Increment Financing district ending. That means the funds that went to the City instead of the school district will add to the valuation of the district. As a result, a Truth in Taxation hearing will be held since the EAV will be much higher then when the TIF District was in place.

Johnson reported that the district was approved for its $50,000 school maintenance grant. He said the funds will go toward the cost of HVAC at Southside School. 

The Board approved replacement of the performance draperies on the stage of Effingham Junior High School. The expense is not to exceed $50,000. Board President Robin Klosterman noted that nothing was done with the performance area in the cafetorium during the major renovation of the junior high building.

There was discussion of LIFT...Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow. It's an initiative of the Mattoon school district, which is offering programs to 28 school districts in the region.  11 districts are currently participating, involving 104 students. The Board approved an agreement with McLain Schaefer of the Mattoon district to research how Unit 40 students could utlize the program.

The Board recognized member Jane Willenborg, who received her Distinguished Board Leader award from the Illinois Association of School Boards. Willenborg has served the past six years as the district's representative with the Wabash Valley Division of the IASB. Also, board members approved a price quote from Effingham Asphalt to make repairs to the parking lot near the baseball field and football field at the high school. The vendor who worked on the turf field and scoreboard project agreed to pay part of the price of the project to cover any damage done during their work.

In personnel action, the Board granted Family and Medical Leave Act leaves to Lindsay Westendorf, Lisa Lauritzen, Lisa Miller, Dannette Williamson and Tina Verdeyen.

Board members Chad Thompson and Brad Waldhoff were not present for Monday's meeting.