At the COVID-19-restricted United School Board meeting, financials were a point of discussion. | Adobe Stock
At the COVID-19-restricted United School Board meeting, financials were a point of discussion. | Adobe Stock
In response to Gov. Pritzker's new COVID-19 restrictions, attendance for the United School Board meeting was less than 25 people on Nov. 12.
Among the topics discussed was the tax levy, which Superintendent Jeff Whitsitt said increased its equalized assessed valuation by approximately 5.7%. Henderson, Mercer, Knox and Warren counties all demonstrated these increases, The Register-Mail reported in mid-November.
Whitsitt also said that "The levy presented shows an increase of 4.999% in funds requested," The Register-Mail reported. "That, coupled with the estimated EAV increase, would keep our rate virtually constant. My only concern moving forward would be leaving money on the table in the transportation fund. We'll revisit the issue at the December meeting."
The current school plan was also a pressing matter of discussion, specifically regarding COVID-19's effects on the community.
"Some days we're hanging by a thread," Whitsitt said, The Register-Mail reported. Regarding the current COVID cases, he said, "on Tuesday, 81 students were in quarantine; today there are 51. We currently have 14 staff members in quarantine," The Register-Mail reported.
A new company, WIPFLI, compiled the district's financial audit this year. The district also received a rating of 3.9 out of 4.0 from the state, and the board accepted the audit.
The School Report Card also proved to be unique — Whitsitt said, "It was positive in every fund except transportation. All four buildings were 'commendable. The report card was a weird one because there was not a lot of data to read," The Register-Mail reported.
In relation to United's position on IHSA basketball and the upcoming season, Whitsitt said, "We're following the IDPH guidelines in hopes of a season in the near future," The Register-Mail reported.
Discussing various maintenance necessities on campus, Whitsitt said, "There are problems with the lift station on the septic system at the West Campus. Repairs are estimated to be $37,000. Life safety funds can be used for the repairs," The Register-Mail reported.
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