Teutopolis School Board Approves Putting Sales Tax Question on Ballot

The Teutopolis Board of Education Monday agreed to put the question of a 1% county sales tax on the March 2014 election ballot.

Teutopolis and Effingham's school boards both acted on the issue Monday night.  The Altamont, Beecher City and Dieterich school boards had agreed earlier this month to have the question put on the ballot.

The revenue generated by the sales tax can be used for renovation of buildings or new construction.

The Teutopolis board discussed a proposed policy regarding use of funds and how the District intends to proceed if the question is approved, but reached no decision.

The Board passed the tax levy for the coming fiscal year, recognized student and basketball player Cody Will for a special report written by an official at the Capitol Classic tournament, and recognized teacher Tammy Bridges for a letter written by a recent THS graduate.

Board members heard a presentation from high school National Honor Society members about their recent fundraiser for Rahab's Hope, heard a presentation from members of the high school FFA chapter who are interested in farming the plot of land west of Teutopolis High School, and heard a presentation regarding available options as to the district's outstanding debt with bond payments due through 2028.

The Board accepted a resignation from Steve Fritcher as junior high girls softball coach and from Dustin Jansen as high school varsity soccer coach, and also approved a retirement from Patricia Schlanser effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.  Board members also discussed a proposal for a technology audit for district schools, and approved changes to the Health Reimbursement Arrangement, which will allow a spend-down period of three years for those employees maintaining a balance in their HRA account.