The Effingham CUSD 40 Board of Education adopted its 2025 tax levy, approved routine financial business and policy updates, and authorized a maintenance-grant application for a perimeter fence at Southside Elementary during a regular meeting.

During the earlier truth-in-taxation hearing, Mrs. Bickler told the board the proposed levy rate "would be reduced to 3.5579 from last year, which was 3.6492," noting the required cash-on-hand disclosure under state law. After the hearing, Board Member Chad moved to adopt the 2025 tax levy as presented; Erica seconded and a roll-call vote was recorded as affirmative by members present.

Lisa Baker presented the monthly financial report, reporting a net fund balance of $33,845,053.08 (about a 3% increase year-over-year) and operating funds totaling $27,537,245.81 (about a 0.42% increase). She said local revenue for the month was $6,233,847, state revenue $724,846 and federal $120,999. The board approved a recommendation to reimburse the imprest account $2,440.04 and to pay bills totaling $644,369.04; the motion to approve the financial report carried on a roll-call vote.

The board then approved the consent agenda (minutes, cafeteria report, student teacher placements and listed fundraisers) and moved to adopt a long list of board policy updates as presented by administration. Motions for those items passed on roll-call votes.

On maintenance funding, administration proposed applying for the state's 50/50 maintenance grant (up to $50,000 in match) to complete a privacy perimeter fence at Southside Elementary. The administration estimated total project cost at about $105,000 (noting a ballpark range of $80,000 to $105,000). Board Member Andrew moved to approve applying for the maintenance grant; Brandon seconded and the motion passed.

Before adjourning into closed session, the board listed four closed-session topics including employment, compensation and personnel discipline and potential imminent litigation; the board voted to enter closed session on those items.

Votes, movers and seconds recorded in the meeting transcript include the following actions: adjournment of the truth-in-taxation hearing (motion by Erica; second by Chad), adoption of the 2025 tax levy (motion by Chad; second by Erica Rolfel), approval of the financial report (motion by Chad; second by Erica), approval of the consent agenda (motion by Andrew; second recorded), adoption of policy updates (motion by Erica; second by Dashawn), approval of the maintenance grant application for the Southside fence (motion by Andrew; second by Brandon), and the motion to enter closed session (motion by Andrew; second by Erica). Where the transcript lists only first names, the article uses those first names as recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board did not vote on HLS amendments at this meeting; administration and the architect will return to seek formal approval of the HLS report and any subsequent amendment requests to access Health Life Safety funds from the state.