Stew-Stras Board Announces Plans for Tax Swap Revenue

The Stewardson-Strasburg Board of Education has finalized plans for how they'd use revenue from a county tax swap plan if it is passed by voters in March.  Most of the Stew-Stras district is in Shelby County.  A similar proposal will be on the ballot in Effingham County.

Stew-Stras Superintendent Michelle Lindenmeyer said the District expects to generate $110,000 in additional revenue if the tax swap passes.  Lindenmeyer said the Board agreed to abate a portion to pay off construction bonds already on the books with the balance to be used for maintenance.  The maintenance projects could include tuckpointing, and security and safety work.

The Board also heard about talks with the Neoga school district on cooperative efforts already in place this school year and whether to continue those efforts next school year.  This school year's calendar was amended to reflect the four school days missed due to the winter storm and the Board reviewed options for next year's calendar with a vote expected at the February meeting.

The Board hired FGM Architects to carry out the remainder of the architect functions related to a renovation contract with Grunloh Construction of Effingham.  There was discussion of next year's fees with a vote expected in February, but Lindenmeyer is recommending no changes for next year.

Lindenmeyer also shared about the school district's new website, www.stew-stras.org.  She said it matches up with the district's e-mail network.  The Board also voted to advertise for a junior high/high school Math teacher.