Unit 40 Board Updated on Modular Building for Southside

Effingham Unit 40 school board members heard that a modular classroom building to be used at Southside School should arrive just after the school year ends in mid to late May.

The modular building was the choice to get all second grade classrooms back at one building. This year, some of the classes are being offered at Southside and some at Central. The structure will house up to four classrooms and will be located south of the playground.

Unit 40 Superintendent Andy Johnson would still like to build a Grades K-2 building, even though the one-cent sales tax referendum failed. The district plans to use the modular building for the coming two school years.

The Board learned about receipt of a 21st Century grant from the State. Johnson said it's a three-year grant and this current school year is the first year. He said the grant would help with after-school and summer programs. He'd like district staff to work in the programs, with those staffers paid with grant funds. More information on the programs will be forthcoming.

Board members approved an intergovernmental agreement with Lake Land College to establish a Lake Connect membership. Lake Land has revamped its dual credit program and both the college and Unit 40 are expected to remove what students have been charged for the dual credit program.

There was discussion of an intergovernmental facility agreement between Unit 40 and the City of Effingham where school district facilities would be available in the event of an emergency. Board member Andrew Altman asked for some time to review the agreement, so action on the agreement was tabled until next month.

A memorandum of agreement was approved to fill a LBS 1 teaching position, a "hard-to-fill" position for Karla Greenwood for tuition reimbursement. It was also agreed tthat any materials prepared in support of the one cent sales tax could be paid for with bond funds should the District decide to bond for construction of the K-2 building.

Johnson reported that enrollment this month is up more than 30 students than both last year and last month.

The Board also recognized the Effingham Junior High boys cross country team that went to State for the second straight school year. The team finished seventh in the State this year after finishing 15th the year before.

The Board also met in closed session, and additional action was expected following the session.