Board approves preliminary levy, applies for state maintenance grant and discusses hiring policy

At its regular meeting the Freeburg CCSD 70 board approved a preliminary tax-levy filing, authorized applying for a state school maintenance grant to upgrade detection devices and discussed possible changes to hiring practices and policy revisions.

On the preliminary levy, presenters described an expected 3.5% increase in equalized assessed value (EAV) and falling multipliers in surrounding areas. The board was told administrators recommend forecasting an 8% increase in EAV for levy planning; the board approved the preliminary levy as presented and scheduled formal levy hearings next month.

The board also approved applying for the state School Maintenance Grant, a dollar-for-dollar matching program. Administrators proposed converting pull stations, smoke detectors and heat detectors to addressable devices; the quoted total project cost was about $44,000, which would leave the district with an estimated match of roughly $22,000.

Board members discussed an agenda item on hiring practices proposed by Mr. Stein. Currently the board hires district employees with exceptions for part-time food-service employees and part-time bus drivers; trustees argued keeping those exceptions avoids slowing hiring for high-turnover positions and roles that require commercial licenses, such as bus drivers. No motion to change hiring authority was adopted.

Trustees also considered first readings of several board-policy revisions; second readings and potential adoption are scheduled for the next meeting. Finally, the board voted to move into executive session to consider personnel, collective bargaining and pending litigation matters.