Du Quoin school board expected to work out repayment of $585,000
The Du Quoin Board of Education met Thursday night and it seems likely that the board and the City of Du Quoin will reach a long term agreement on the repayment of $585,000 owed the city for upfront infrastructure work around the new high school when it was built.
Here are the thoughts of Du Quoin District 300 superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly:
"The superintendent, business manager and school attorney shared information with the board regarding a recent meeting with city officials to discuss an amendment to the city- school district sales tax agreement.
"A framework was discussed that would allow the district to reimburse to the city the amount of local sales tax funds that were forwarded to the district prior to the actual construction of the high school. The school attorney will meet with the city attorney to formalize an agreement that is beneficial to the district and for the city."
The city is looking for the repayment of the $585,000 over the remaining 15-year period of the high school sales tax agreement. The first $125,000 would be used to either fund repairs at the Du Quoin swimming pool or create a document that would satisfy a lendor to advance the money to the city to fund the repairs.
In other action:
Don Hoffman of Emling and Hoffman shared a review of the FY 2015 audit with the board. The audit showed no errors or discrepancies in the accounting of funds. The auditor did share two comments that are now being included in all audits throughout the state which are no fault of districts but are required due to new law.
The commentary addresses having a defined number of staff to account for the handling of funds and the imminent use of a CPA on staff for accounting uses. The auditor said there is no expectation to employ more staff or to employ a CPA but the new law requires the comments to be included in the audit. The district auditor also stated the district has been using the city sales tax for the intended purposes as related to bond payments and construction items as part of the high school construction project. After the review, the Board approved the FY 2015 audit.
The board approved a three-year renewal agreement for district audit services with Emling and Hoffman, LLC. The agreement includes the audit for FY2016, FY 2017, and FY 2018.
The board approved board policy updates/changes as recommended by Illinois Association of School Boards policy service.
The board and administration held a preliminary discussion regarding the district property tax levy for the levy cycle. The discussion included a concern over the potential impact a proposed law to freeze the property tax levy for all governmental entities in the state.
The board approved a request from the Du Quoin High School FFA group to attend their national convention in Louisville, Kentucky on October 28 and October 29.
The board approved the re-scheduling of the November Board meeting due to schedule conflict for Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
The board entered into executive session at 7:35 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employee. The board returned to regular session at 8:10 p.m.
The board approved a list of winter extra-curricular activity volunteers as submitted by the high school athletic director and high school principal.