Dieterich Board Approves Building Improvement Projects

Dieterich school board members Monday approved quotes for two projects to improve the district buildings.

One quote is for $30,000 from Allred Flooring to sand and resurface the high school gym floor, and the other is from Barlow Lock and Security for an upgrade to the security camera system. The amount will vary due to the number of cameras needed, but is estimated to be around $2,500.

The Board reviewed the annual audit report. This year's estimated financial profile score was 3.7 on a four-point scale, which is in the "Recognition" category. The estimated Per Capita Tuition Charge for next year will be $6,023.52.

Board members approved real estate purchase contracts for 301 South Main Street and 101 to 103 West Church Street, totaling $75,000. The parties intend to close on the sale of the properties prior to Thanksgiving.

Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson presented the Board with the 2023 Tentative Property Tax Levy. Jackson said this year's levy is similar to those of previous years, and said the district is anticipating an increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation The Board will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing just ahead of their next regular meeting on December 11.

The Board heard that Dieterich Elementary School earned the designation of "Exemplary" from the Illinois State Board of Education, and that Dieterich Junior/Senior High School earned the designation of "Commendable". "Exemplary" recognizes the top 10% of highest performing schools in the state, where "Commendable" recognizes those schools that have no underperforming groups, but whose performance is not in the top 10% of schools statewide.

Both Junior/Senior High Principal Scott Kocher and Elementary Principal Josh Benefiel reported on contact rates for this year's parent/teacher conferences. The Junior/Senior High School had a contact rate of around 20%, while the Elementary School rate was 96%.

Kocher and Benefiel also led a discussion on future class offerings and staffing. No action was taken. The Board plans to further discuss these, among other topics, at their strategic planning session scheduled for December 5. The Board also finalized plans for a countywide school board member meeting on November 28.

The Board took action on allowing athletic practices on Wednesday evenings until 6pm, and on allowing activities on evenings prior to semester exams.

In personnel action, the Dieterich board hired Matthew Irwin as custodian; Rich Westendorf as head junior high volleyball coach; Katie Roedl as assistant junior high girls basketball coach; and Dana Purcell as aide; approved an adjustment in custodian pay; and approved a four-year superintendent contract for Cary Jackson.

School board members were presented with certificates of appreciation for their service to the school district. School Board Member Day will be on Wednesday.