Busy Meeting for Altamont School Board

Altamont school board members Monday heard from several individuals.

Amanda Miller and representatives from the Parent Teacher Organization shared their desire to assist with funds for the purchase of swings for the new playground at Altamont Grade School.

The Board received a Demand to Bargain from Altamont Education Support Personnel Association President Rich Fulk on a new contract.

Don Williamson presented information regarding the possible start-up of a Shooting Team for Altamont Community High School. Williamson's foundational information will allow the Board to consider whether to pursue such a team.

Shane Frederking presented information on the local Construction Trades class that serves Altamont and other area schools, and the success the class has experienced during its first two years of operation.

High school principal Jerry Tkachuk reported that the school's attendance rate this year stood at 93.5%, which is below the target, but well above where the school has finished in previous years.

Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch reported on Senate Bill 1, a school funding bill passed by the Illinois House and Senate and submitted to the governor. Fritchtnitch said the problem is, without a State budget, there is no allocation of funds even if the Governor signs the bill. He said there is also no identified revenue stream for $286 million in new revenue to support the bill.

Fritchtnitch said he'd like the Board to consider setting one-year goals in July and August as a foundation for a multi-year strategic planning in late summer or early fall. He said setting annual goals allows for administrators to create and submit performance goals for evaluation. He also reported on collection of delinquent funds from families who haven't paid their regisrtation and other fees, and also mentioned a Chicago Tribune article that had favorably mentioned the Altamont district.

The Altamont board accepted the resignation of Melanie Connell-Brown as a teacher's aide, accepted the resignation of Debi Probst as prom sponsor, and hired Andrew Snow as grade school PE teacher, junior high boys basketball coach, and junior high boys track coach. The Board also hired Courtnie Mullen as assistant high school soccer coach, approved Kristin Voyles as junior high volunteer assistant cheer coach, and renewed property/casualty/liability insurance coverage, and renewed blanket student accident and catastrophic student accident insurance coverage. The Board also approved an athletic training service agreement with Bonutti Orthopedic, and purchased a cooler for $18,000.