Schools
Dist. 206 Board Welcomes Good News on Budget
Budget figures, insurance plan and building maintenance are among the items discussed at Monday night's Bloom Township H.S. board meeting.
Monday night’s Bloom Township High School District 206 board meeting could have been called “Mark J. Sheahan Night,” as the assistant superintendent for business was repeatedly called upon to explain details of agenda items.
When called upon by Dr. Lenell Navarre, Sheahan gave brief reports on the following items:
Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal: Sheahan said the plan offered good benefits to the staff. He said the insurer had issued a 3 1/2 percent cost increase, which he characterized as "pretty mild."
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New generator: Bloom Trail High School is in need of a new generator, as the old one failed during the week of graduation (with administrators saving the day by renting a replacement), Sheahan explained.
The district could save money if the staff members are able to install the generator without the help of an outside contractor, he said. Navarre commented, "If we do it in house, we could save $100,000."
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The district's final budget: The budget will be submitted for approval next month. The deficit is shrinking, currently at $2.9 million dollars, Sheahan said. He explained that the figure had previously been at $5 million.
"Our number was so good, I double-checked," he said.
The budget picture may be even rosier when the district gets the funds owed from the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago Heights, Sheahan said.
"The state is holding $1.3 million of our money, if it all comes in, it (deficit) will be $1.2 million," Sheahan said.
Independent audit: Legacy Professionals LLP, which is conducting the independent audit for 2010-2011, will bill at an hourly rate, which is good news, Sheahan said.
"It's a reward for efficiency. Some districts have been lax," he said.
Potential Renovations
The board also discussed the renovation of buildings and grounds, with Robert Rossi expressing concern about the Bloom Circle turnaround. "It's a safety hazard," Rossi said.
Others pointed out that undergoing construction and renovation at this time would mean diverting buses and dealing with other construction nuisances.
Staff Changes
- Shannon Kries, secretary in the Deans’ Office at Bloom Trail High School, has resigned.
- Kimberly Berliner will join Bloom Trail as a social studies teacher. Berliner holds a degree from Northwestern.
- Jennifer LePetre and Jennifer Smith were both hired as reading specialists. Sharice Benavides was hired as the switchboard operator at Bloom High School.
