The Centralia High School Board was told last night the purchase of the 20 acres of land southeast of the campus across Calumet Street has been finalized.
Superintendent Chuck Lane wants to discuss the development of the property along with long-term planning at a board retreat in July. He reports AGE in Mt. Vernon is currently working on a request for proposals from those who would be interested in constructing a solar field on part of the property.
“There are all kinds of different options. We have to decide are we looking at 100%? That would be difficult, but could we get half of it is that something we want to look at, or if it’s way in the back is it worth it to whoever would buy the project. It’s a complex deal the way they do it, they get a tax write off and there is no cost to the school district. And then our benefit is we get cheaper power.”
Lane notes to provide enough solar power to meet the entire campus would take six to eight acres of solar panels. He notes they are under contract for electric power for another year at less than half the higher rates going into effect this summer.
The board agreed with Lane to proceed with the purchase of new band uniforms and for the first time to buy uniforms for the color guard who has been providing their own. The last time the band uniforms were replaced with in 2009. The board also agreed to further look at the purchase of a nearly $12,000 tower to be used during marching band season and to better soundproof the band room. Now that the sound in the Troutt Arena is fixed, Lane wants to look at using one of the contractors to improve sound in the cafetorium and some classrooms. The board was pleased the speeches during graduation were easy to hear this year and the stream of the graduation had excellent sound.
Lane announced the district has received a $125,000 Career and Technical Education grant with Vandalia High School.
“The CTE Grant is for the Education Pathway to become a teacher. And we have a teacher that actually teaches two classes. The kids get dual credit and that goes towards their teaching degree and helps pay for those classes.”
Lane says if they can work out additional dual credit classes with Kaskaskia College the offerings at Centralia High School could be expanded.
The board approved the tentative final budget for the current fiscal year. Lane reports the district will finish the year with an overall surplus of $700,000 which was more than anticipated.
The board acted on several personnel issues:
- Accepted the resignation of Dawson Berry as assistant football coach.
- Accepted the resignation of Mark Phillips as Annex security guard.
- Accepted the resignation of Jamaal Heavens as Assistant Principal. He is taking a new job as Assistant Principal of Parkway West High School in St. Louis County, Missouri.
- Hired Jimmy Middleton as the new Annex Assistance Principal effective July 1st and accepted his resignation as an assistant golf coach.
