At its monthly board meeting the Fieldcrest Board of Education made it official. They unaminously approved a motion
to put a tax referendum on the April 1 ballot that will ask for an increase in the Education Tax Rate
of Fieldcrest from 2.975% to 3.875%. The action was not unexpected as Fieldcrest along with the majority of
the school districts in the state are in a financial bind due to the economic slump, the decline in
property tax values and a decrease in state aid.
Fieldcrest Superintendent Michael Stagliano stated that 58% of budgeted expenditures, or $6,127,846.52, have been spent so far which he
stated is well within accepted guidelines. He also indicated that 71 % of budgeted revenues, or $7,343,275.28, have been received
so far.
In other action, the board awarded a $12,495 contract to Town & Country Services of Tonica to replace a
water heater at Fieldcrest East with two 100 gallon gas heated water heaters. The old water heater failed
an inspection by the state and had to be replaced within 30 days.
The installation of the new elevator at Fieldcrest East should be completed in three weeks according to Superintendent
Michael Stagliano. The new restrooms are ready to be dry-walled and should be ready soon. Stagliano said that
Janko Construction and others have come to an agreement on paying a certain amount on the dollar to settle claims
with their subcontractors on the construction project at Fieldcrest West last year.
The board renewed an agreement with the Lostant School District to accept any child from that district wishing to
attend the Fieldcrest High School. The tuition rate for the Lostant students will be around $6616 per year per student.
Lostant agrees to pay Fieldcrest a rate of 105% for 2003-2004 and 102% for 2004-2005 of the prior years'capita
tuition rate.
Becky Hardine, Principal at Fieldcrest South, said that testing of the First Grade students resulted in
exceptional scores. Hardine said that 85% of the students tested at level 10 or above with the expected
score to be at level 9. Only 4 percent scored less than level 9. She also indicated that the discipline
referrals at the school were down considerably. She had no explanation for that fact but mentioned that
it could be due to less crowded conditions and a more comfortable environment with the completion of the
new addition.
Fieldcrest Principal Steve Wallick said that the school curriculum is now 85-90% aligned with state
standards. He mentioned that registration for 2003-2004 will start next month. Wallick projects that
Fieldcrest will have 400 students next year, an increase of 40 students. He indicated that the school can
handle the increase but space is becoming tight. Wallick also mentioned that numerous bus breakdowns have
occured this past semester. He said 5 or 6 buses have broken down between trips to Peoria and Bloomington.
Wallick said many of the bus breakdowns are electrical failures and the situation is being looked into by
the bus mechanic.
Robert Prince presented a check from the Knights of Columbus for $1185 to Fieldcrest which was the result
of their annual Tootsie Roll sale drive.
Sandy Furst donated a new RCA Diagonal Entertainment Series television in memory of her recently deceased
sister, Sue.
The following people have turned in petitions for running for the school board in the elections on April 1:
Jeff Geringer and Joe Kirkpatrick from Minonk, Melinda Tirabaschi from Toluca, Rebecca Donna from Rutland,
and Jeff Pickard from Wenona. The board has three positions open. Joseph Knapp and Cynthia Bernardi are not
running again while Jeff Pickard will run as an incumbent.
Personnel
Accepted the resignation of Mark McNamara as after school study hall shuttle driver effective Feb. 3.
Approved maternity leave request in May 2003 for Tina Fortner.
Jordan Reynolds was hired to teach social studies at Fieldcrest West starting Monday, January 20. She
is replacing Jim Egleton who is retiring.
