Numbers have not changed too much since registration. The following numbers at the respective building sites are as follows: South Elementary, Minonk, 236; East Elementary-Middle School, Wenona, 280; West Elementary-Middle School, Toluca, 325; Fieldcrest High School, Minonk, 404. Protracted discussions took place on the current number of first grade pupils at Elementary West. At this time 31 students are registered. There will be one teacher and one aide assigned to this classroom. However, the Board has asked the administration to find a cost effective alternative to bring down the number of students in this grade to under 30. A plan will be recommended to the Board at the September 4^th special meeting. The administration-s attempt to solicit voluntary transfers from West to East was unsuccessful.

I am still waiting on final state aid figures. A preliminary search of the State of Illinois website indicated that dollars have been vouchered, but as of yet I have not seen the actual statement. However, it appears we should have the final figures before the Board meeting The FY -04 general state aid is predicted to increase by approximately 200,000. However, when one factors in the loss of entitlement moneys from grants, the actual increase is closer to $150,000. District 6-s revenue stream is still flat and or slightly decreasing while expenses are increasing.

Fieldcrest West Middle School participated in the Jump Rope for Heart or Hoops for Heart programs. West raised an astounding $3,194.00 during the 2002-2003 school year.

Brent Appell, Regional Financial Consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education will attend a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on September 4^th @ 7:00 PM. Meeting will be held in Band room of the high school. Mr. Appell will discuss District 6-s finances in conjunction with Superintendent, Dr. Michael Stagliano. He and Stagliano have discussing the District-s financial condition since late spring of 2003. He cannot and will not make decisions for the District, however he will be able to suggest general financial scenarios that the Board may wish to consider to be able to bring District 6 finances into the black.

On the 25^th of September, the FY -04 budget will be adopted after having been on public display for the required thirty (30) days. A legal notice will be published in newspapers in the District indicating that our tentative budget is conveniently available for public inspection at the Unit Office. The notice will also state that a public hearing on said budget will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2003 @ Fieldcrest West Elementary-Middle School in Toluca, Illinois.

As you know, committee planning for the formation of a Citizens- Advisory Committee will be wrapped up by the September 25^th Board meeting. At that time details concerning the goals and objectives of this Advisory Committee will be shared with the public. Newspapers will broadcast the Board-s request for citizens of District 6 to come forward to participate in finding solutions for our financial crises. The special meeting of September 4^th will be a good opportunity to further discusses the details of this important public arm of the Board of Education.

At our last regular Board meeting Tom Heidenreich and Steven Wallick presented the Board with revised busing routes. In addition, they briefly explained the need for leasing some additional buses. The proposed lease would cost approximately $8,500 per bus for up to 3 or 4 buses. The cost of the lease would also include depreciation. We have run some figures, which I will present to the Board for information purposes only. A final decision to lease can be made at the September 25^th meeting of the Board. I have invited Joe Bailey of Midwest Transit to attend our special meeting on September 4^th to briefly answer any questions the Board may have on this proposed leasing arrangement. Currently, we have buses on lease. More later.