Unit 40 Sets Tentative Levy, Discusses Sales Tax Question

Effingham Unit 40 school board members Tuesday approved a tentative tax levy for the coming school year of 3.5083. The levy will be finalized at the Board's meeting on November 18. Last year's levy totaled 3.55. The estimate is that the reduction in the levy would save the owner of a $250,000 home about $40/year on their property tax bill.

It's worth noting that the November meeting will take place following Election Day, which is November 5. The Board took time last night to discuss what impact passage or defeat of the sales tax question will have.

Various scenarios were discussed, with Unit 40 Superintendent Andy Johnson suggesting that, IF the sales tax question passes, the Board could earmark 10% of the revenue to provide property tax relief. There was also discussion of whether that could be offered for the coming year, or annually.

In other business, the Unit 40 board approved a health life safety amendment allowing replacement of the fire alarm at the high school building. The project will cost approximately $107,000.

The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Effingham Classroom Teachers Association. The agreement will allow three flex teachers to fill hard to fill positions.

Johnson reported district enrollment is up 13 students from last year.

In personnel moves, the Unit 40 Board employed Haley Lovins as a paraprofessional, Christen Brown as junior high girls B-Team basketball coach, Kyle Stortzum as junior high boys B-Team basketball coach, Allen Lavengood as cafeteria monitor at the junior high school, Jaidan Olinger as a two-hour cashier at the high school building, Derek Rios as PA announcer for girls and boys basketball, and Bryan West as Director of Transportation.

Leaves were approved for Jennie Metcalf and Jordyn Biggs. Resignations were accepted from Kylie West as teacher's assistant at Little Hearts and from Chelsea Painter as a paraprofessional.