In a recent government meeting, district administrators discussed the transition to a new climate survey, which will replace the existing 5 Essentials survey. The leadership team expressed confidence that the new survey, which costs $2,000 per school, will provide more relevant data aligned with the district's strategic plan and values. This survey will serve as the primary source for measuring school climate and will be reflected in the Illinois school report card.

The meeting also addressed the district's budget, revealing a projected deficit of $500,000 due to unexpected state revenue reductions. Administrators had initially aimed for a balanced budget but were impacted by a 32.6% decrease in corporate personal property replacement tax figures. Superintendent Hank recommended that the board adopt the budget despite the deficit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operational integrity without drastic cuts that could affect staff morale and upcoming negotiations with teachers.

Board members expressed support for the administration's cautious approach, highlighting their confidence in the team's fiscal responsibility. They noted that while the deficit is significant, it represents less than half a percent of the overall budget and does not jeopardize the district's cash reserves. The board plans to finalize the budget at the next meeting, which will include a public hearing for community input.