Board meeting yields positive reports from officials

By Editor | November 3, 2022 |

By Austin Andre

The Jersey Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education met on Thursday evening, Oct. 20, for their monthly meeting, where they heard reports from students and staff in the district.

The Jersey community highschool (JCHS) student report came first, presented by members of the Student Council. The report was very positive, and included news such as new additions to the pom squad, athletic achievements from school sports teams, club meetings, and other happenings across the school.

This was followed by a tax levy presentation given by Lisa Schuenke, assistant superintendent of finance and human resources. During the report, Schuenke provided updates on last year’s levy.

Last year, $15.8 Million was requested by the school district, and the full amount was granted by the state. The district will be asking for a tax levy of $16.9 million this year to help compensate with the growth of EAV rates.

Board President Greg Brown, spoke on Schuenke’s work with the levy.

“As a board we’ve analyzed the numbers, and drew your recommendations. You’ve done a fantastic job of keeping that levy intact,” Brown said.

The resolution of the levy was approved by the board following the presentation

The director’s report by JCUSD officials came next, starting with JCHS principal Jason Brunaugh. During the report, Brunaugh shared information about the increased traffic at the media and library center. Last October, only 58 items were checked out of the center, compared to 1,600 items being checked out this month.

“It is swamped,” Brunaugh said. “Every hour it is filled up.”

Michelle Brown, principal at Grafton elementary, shared her report following Brunaghs. Michelle Brown reported on several local school events such as a fall carnival, classroom halloween parties and firehouse visits. These types of events were scaled back in 2020 and 2021 due to public health concerns. Brown also mentioned the popular use of an online library system which was utilized almost instantly by students when it was announced.

West and East Elementary principals, Kristie Hurley and Kim Anderson, shared individual reports. These included student mental health awareness improvements, the introduction of a student club at East, and other school projects. Mental health curriculums included daily affirmations, creating positive thoughts, and helping create a hopeful outlook for young students.

“It’s really neat to see that training directly impact kids,” said Hurley. “We have a lot of kids with social and emotional needs, so we needed a tool to help develop those skills.”

The final report came from Jerseyville middle school principal,Thomas Leslie. Leslie’s report included updates to the school’s newest E-sports program. There were 32 students selected to the program’s competitive team, which plays against students from all over the country. More students are being provided the opportunity to try out for the team’s upcoming seasons this year.

“I want to make sure people understand we’re not just playing video games,” Leslie said. “These kids are learning skills, they’re learning how to work together, and it’s been a very good way for them to connect with each other.”

In other business, the board approved a phone system replacement proposal that will add 20,000 more minutes per month and, according to Jersey Community High School Technology Director Matt Derrick, the phone system they currently have is dated.

“This update is going to really help,” said Derrick.

The board went with the proposal to buy the phones outright and pay month to month, rather than the other option, which would have involved being locked into a five-year contract.

“With this option, we can switch anytime, if we want to,” said Derrick.

The Jersey CUSD 100 Board of Education meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. They are scheduled to meet again on Thursday, Nov. 17.