Board approves construction bid, summer programs, vehicle purchase and other routine items

The Galena City School District Board of Education voted on multiple items at its meeting. Key approvals included acceptance of a $4,000 donation for track equipment, purchase of a replacement maintenance truck, award of an elevator contract, approval of summer school and ESY plans, permission for the high school music trip to New Orleans and adoption of the 2025—26 fee schedule.

Donation and athletics: The board unanimously accepted a $4,000 donation from the Blackbird Giving Fund (a Casey's General Store program) to pay for a replacement high-jump pit. The donation was brought to the board by district staff and approved by voice vote.

Maintenance truck: The board approved purchase of a new 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 4-wheel-drive long-box from Rodney Chevrolet for $42,555 to replace an out-of-service 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. Facilities staff told the board the older truck was scrapped after repairs exceeded its value and described heavy summer usage when furniture and construction-related moves increase district needs.

Elevator bid: The board accepted the low bid from TK Elevator Corporation for $132,500 to install an elevator as part of the ongoing construction project. The superintendent said the district had budgeted $150,000 for the elevator and the low bid saves the district money.

Summer school and ESY: The board approved the district's summer programs, which include ESY (Extended School Year) services required by students' IEPs and a credit-recovery program for high-school students using Edgenuity. ESY includes transportation required by some IEPs; credit recovery is a smaller program with one teacher and uses Edgenuity online courses.

Music trip: The board approved an overnight music trip to New Orleans (proposed dates March 30—April 2) for an estimated 35—40 participants, with students covering trip costs. The itinerary includes a clinic at Loyola University, local cultural experiences and flying rather than driving to maximize on-site time.

Fees and consent agenda: The board approved the 2025—26 school-year fees as presented; the district kept most athletic and season-pass prices frozen due to the lack of a high-school gym next year and raised some meal prices (a 20'cent increase for adult student breakfast and lunch was noted). The consent agenda (which included IESA registration and summer student worker hires) passed with one abstention from Brian McIntyre on the consent vote.

Construction updates: District staff reported progress on the high-school construction: helical piers installation, demolition and excavation are complete and foundations and concrete work are expected within one to two weeks. Staff also reported they opened one more small bid package (epoxy flooring) and expect additional invoices as construction moves forward.

Board reorganization and appointments: The board completed its reorganization: Arlie Stodden was re-elected board president by voice vote; Brian McIntyre was elected vice president and Mike Hyland was elected board secretary. Anne Heim was appointed recording secretary ($1,800 annual compensation) and was also appointed board treasurer ($2,000 annual compensation). Superintendent Vincent served as president pro tem earlier in the reorganization process.

The board moved into an executive session at the end of the public meeting for personnel and related items; the superintendent said no action would come out of that executive session.