The Fieldcrest Board of Education postponed a decision on what to do with the Presbyterian Church it owns until November. Board member Tim McNamara originally made a motion to delay a decision until the next meeting in hopes that someone will want to make an offer on the building. However, that motion was voted down. Greg Kroeschen then made a motion to delay the decision until November stating that at that time plans may be in place to demolish other buildings as well and it would be better to do it then if no one has bought it by then. Board President Joe Kirkpatrick said the building is located in a TIF district. This would make it eligible for TIF funds up to 50% of the renovation cost from the City of Minonk if someone wishes to purchase it.
Fieldcrest Superintendent Dan Oakley said it will be very expensive for the school to refurbish the building because of all the state mandates such as a sprinkler system, handicap access, etc. would need to be included in the renovation. A private restoration would be considerably cheaper.
The school purchased the church building several years ago but has only been used for storage since its purchase.
In other business, the Board approved an increase in the Drivers Education fee that would cost $250. The original fee schedule included an increase to $50 for parking in the school parking lot. However, Board member Daneille Reichman said parking is a privilege and wanted the fee increased to $75. Board member Tim McNamara, however, said he didn't want students parking on the city streets because of the higher parking fee.
Board member Scott Hillenburg thought the new sports fee of $250 per activity with a maximum of $500 was too high. He said some families have several students involved in sports and the cost would be prohibitive. He made a motion to reduce the fee back to $150 per activity with a maximum of $300 which passed. However, when it came time to approve the newly revised fee schedule it was defeated with Reichman, Kroeschen, McNamara, and Tami Coons voting no. Superintendent Oakley suggested the board members get together and try to agree on a new fee schedule to be voted on at the next meeting.
Superintendent Oakley said there were about 250 people in attendance at the three community board meetings on the building issue. He hoped for a bigger crowd saying only 10% of the people turned out for the meetings but said that there were some good comments made at the meetings. He said a survey will be sent via mail to area residents in the school district to get their feedback on the building issue facing the school district.
Fieldcrest South Principal Jason Chaplin indicated he wants to go to a trimester system from a quarter system for K through 6. He said it will result in a better quality education and gives teachers a better understanding of how well a student is doing. It also will free up some time for the teachers and result in one less report card.
Board President Kirkpatrick wanted to know a good reason to go to a trimester sytem. Principal Chapin said it gives a student more time to grow and to catch up if he or she is behind.
At the beginning of the meeting, Lana Ruestman gave a talk promoting the use of attendance centers for elementary students and also suggested budget cuts.