Teutopolis Board Not Expecting to Place Bond Referendum on Spring Ballot

Teutopolis school board members Monday informally agreed against pursuing a referendum in March 2018 designed to raise funds for renovation or new construction work at Teutopolis High School.

Board members had broached the subject at a recent special meeting, but decided Monday to instead concentrate on community engagement this fall and winter in hopes of securing support for the project, whichever option is pursued. It's likely a referendum would not appear on the ballot until the November 2018 election.

Members are trying to decide whether to replace or refurbish the original portion of the high school building, built in 1929. Architects are working to incorporate earlier ideas from board members, including adding classrooms to the south of the existing building, rather than on the west end.

As to the timing of a referendum, Teutopolis Superintendent Bill Fritcher said Board members don't want to appear to be forcing a decision on district residents.

Also Monday, the Board agreed to let the FFA Chapter farm a plot of land east of the high school. Fritcher said the FFA will cover the costs and said farming the plot will save the school district on mowing expenses. Board members also heard a presentation from Tick Tock Energy on how the District might benefit from using an array of solar panels.

Staff member Doug Runde presented a technology update, and the Board then approved a technology purchase that exceeds the $15,000 policy limit to Provision Data Solution, with half the cost being reimbursed with e-rate funds. The Board sold a used district-owned car for $150; tabled discussion of district goals until next board meeting; were reminded of Parent-Teacher Conferences this Thursday and Friday; were reminded of a recycle drive this Saturday; and got reports on the proposed tax levy, the grade school parking lot, water and lead testing at the grade school, ACT and SAT scores at the high school, and enrollment projections and baptismal counts.

The Board hired Bethany Donaldson as junior high volleyball coach; increased teacher aide Kathy Ruholl's hours to 37-1/2 hours a week, and accepted a resignation from Jane Austin as part-time grade school cook.