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Freeburg CCSD 70 board approves FY24 budget amendments, lease-levy loan and food-service renewal
Summary
At a regular meeting, the Freeburg CCSD 70 board approved FY24 budget amendments to cover higher-than-expected special-education tuition costs, authorized a lease-levy loan up to $90,000 for technology at 5.77% interest, and renewed a year-to-year food-service agreement with Belleville District 118; personnel actions and a first reading of policy revisions also passed.
The Freeburg CCSD 70 Board of Education unanimously approved a package of fiscal and operational measures at its regular meeting, including amendments to the FY24 budget to account for higher-than-anticipated special-education tuition costs, parameters for a lease-levy loan to buy technology and renewal of the district’s food-service agreement.
During a public budget hearing, district staff said the largest adjustment arose from special-education tuition: the budgeted amount of $360,000 was “a little over 700” for the year, a shortfall that required a formal amendment to reconcile grant allocations and other line items. A staff presenter told trustees that cooperative special-education costs rose roughly 10.44%, driven by certified-staff salary increases and higher health-insurance costs, and that the coop had added paraprofessional positions and program-related costs. “Things aren’t getting cheaper and costs are going up,” the presenter said.
After discussion and clarifying questions about which services the cooperative provides and how costs are allocated, the board approved the budget amendments by roll call: Mr Smith, Mr Shy, Mr Baker, Mr Trout, Mr Stein, Mr May and Miss F voted yes.
The board also approved parameters for a lease-levy loan with Citizens Bank to fund technology purchases: an amount not to exceed $90,000 at a simple interest rate of 5.77%. Trustees approved the parameters by unanimous roll call so staff can proceed with ordering equipment.
Trustees voted to renew the district’s year-to-year food-service contract with Belleville (District 118), citing the vendor’s long relationship with the district and its handling of meal preparation, reimbursements and paperwork. The renewal was approved unanimously by roll call.
On personnel matters the board approved a leave of absence for teacher Chelsea Lloyd (approximately Aug. 15–Nov. 6) and accepted a package of non‑certified pay increases as presented. The board also completed a first reading of several board policy revisions and scheduled a closed-session board self-evaluation for Sept. 4 at 6 p.m., to be facilitated by Patrick Allen. Trustees announced they would go into closed session later in the agenda to discuss employees, pending litigation and real property.
Why it matters: The budget amendments reflect a material midyear shift in special-education tuition costs that required the board to reallocate funds; the lease-levy loan decision frees staff to replace aging technology, and the food-service renewal keeps the district on a familiar vendor model for school meals. The actions together affect staffing decisions, service contracts and the district’s near-term capital and operating plans.
Votes at a glance: Consent agenda (minutes May 20; budget summary through May 31; investment summary through June 21) — approved; Bills — approved by roll call; FY24 budget amendments — approved by roll call; Lease-levy loan (not to exceed $90,000 at 5.77%) — approved by roll call; Food service renewal with Belleville District 118 — approved by roll call; Leave of absence for Chelsea Lloyd (approx. Aug. 15–Nov. 6) — approved; Non-certified pay increases — approved.
The board adjourned after approving the listed motions. The board also encouraged trustees to consider attending the TRIPLE I conference (Nov. 21–24, Chicago) and discussed community engagement and upcoming facilities work.
