Dieterich School Board Approves 13% Levy Hike

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Published on December 18 2015 10:22 am
Last Updated on December 18 2015 10:22 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Dieterich school board members have approved a tax levy 13.03% higher than last year.

Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson said the estimated increase is due to an increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation of property in the school district and any new construction within the school district. Additional need, Jackson said, was reflected in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, the Social Security Fund, and the Tort Fund. The increases in IMRF and Social Security are due to the increase in non-certified employees, mainly in the Special Education teacher aide department. Jackson reminded Board members that the estimates are set at a higher amount than what is actually extended in taxes to ensure that the district can capture the tax dollars that are available, as established by rate limits.

The Board also reviewed and approved the district insurance renewal from Ramza Insurance. This year's policy showed an increase of $760.35, or 1.06%. Jackson said savings were realized in workers' compensation and treasurer's bond policies due to favorable ratings. The increase can be attributed to increases in values of facilities and equipment.

In personnel moves, the Dieterich board reassigned Dieterich After School Program employee Elaina LaPage from Assistant Director to Director. The move will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former director Stephanie Fuesting. The Board thanked Fuesting for her work in getting the program started. The Board also:

--approved Jordan Boerngen as volunteer assistant junior high volleyball coach

--accepted letters of retirement from high school History/Vocational teacher Kip Johnson and junior high and high school Math teacher Ray Hinterscher at the end of the 2018-19 school year

--approved a leave of absence for elementary teacher Jodi Mammoser from February 8-11

The Board gave the go-ahead to the unit office staff to enroll in a Financial Go Green program that will allow the District to save funds by creating electronic payroll files and e-mailing direct deposit vouchers to employees. It's believed savings will be realized in labor hours, supplies and postage.

The Board heard from elementary principal Kathy Pattenaude and junior-senior high school principal Kevin Haarman regarding the 2015 Illinois School Report Card. The principals reported that Dieterich Unit 30 students scored well above state averages on all state tests. The new PARCC tests, they said, have created some challenges, but said Dieterich students have met the challenges and continue to score at a high level. 

Haarman also reported on the Dieterich Boys and Girls Holiday Tournaments, which this year will be held December 26, 28 and 29. Also, Haarman proposed the development of additional Dual Credit course offerings at Dieterich High School. The Board approved the development of courses in Agriculture and Business. The new courses will be Dual Credit through Lake Land College and will be offered in the 2016-17 school year.

Haarman and Pattenaude informed the board that Dieterich Unit 30 schools received a state honor by making the Niche 2016 Best Schools rankings. Dieterich came in at #63 in the state. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, ACT/SAT scores, teacher quality, student and parent reviews, and more. Fellow NTC school Altamont was also among the school districts chosen to make the list in Illinois.