Neoga Board Establishes Committees to Review Possible Building Closure; Consolidation or Co-operative Possibilities

The Neoga school district is dealing with declining enrollment and dwindling revenues, as are many districts.  The Board, though, has had some of the toughest decisions in the area the past couple of years, cutting more than a dozen teaching positions for this year and next year.

During a recent community forum on the issue, there were suggestions that closing a school building might be an option, as well as consolidating with another district or expanding co-operative efforts such as the one already in place with the Stewardson-Strasburg district.

The Board has decided to form committees to address the issues, along with whether a referendum should be pursued that, if passed, would provide additional revenue.

Board members assigned to the committees are: School Building Closure Committee--Julie Butler and Michelle Sheehan; School Referendum Committee--Bill Steichmann and Chuck Campbell; and School District Consolidation/Co-Operation--Don Strohl and Chris Strohl. 

The Board is asking for staff members and community members to join the committees.

Also at the meeting, the Neoga Board:

--approved a tuition fee of $400 per health occupation student for next school year

--set 8th grade promotion for Thursday, May 22

--heard from Terrence Althoff about starting a Bass Fishing Team for next year

--heard from Don and Denise Coen and daughter Emily regarding Emily being home schooled and participating in Middle School Track next year

--discussed Summer School with lunches served due to the Free and Reduced Price lunches reaching the amount that determines whether the district must serve lunch

--accepted letters from administrators Seth James and Jeff Wooters regarding contract changes for next school year

--approved a resolution establishing a line of credit for the school district

--discussed the drive at Neoga Middle School