South Central School Superintendent Kerry Herdes had good news to share with the school board Wednesday night when presenting the school report card.
He says Kinmundy Elementary, South Central Middle, and South Central High School are all at the second highest level in the state of commendable.
“We’ve seen huge gains in our meets and exceeds numbers and we’re seeing gains in all five columns that kids are situated in. That’s good to see that is rebounding so quickly after COVID and the loss of instruction. All three buildings were commendable. We just want to keep heading in that direction and make it to the exemplary level at some point.”
Herdes says all their scores are above the state average and many are now ahead of where they were before COVID.
“I think our staff and parents have really buckled down and our students and really knew we were up against the fact those weren’t instructed for such a long period of time. They buckled down and worked hard as they normally do. It’s a triangular approach to everything we do….the student, parent, and staff member.”
The board was also told at the grade and middle school in addition to the annual testing used on the school report card they are also using a test at the end of each quarter to measure progress. The board was told the tests have become a competition for some students.
The board agreed to a 4.99-percent increase in its property tax levy over last year’s property tax collections to avoid a Truth in Taxation hearing. Herdes says by doing so they are leaving about $30,000 on the table in Fayette County to make room for an incorrect levy from the prior year.
The board congratulated Kurt Jones on his induction into the Illinois Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.
The board was reminded that petitions will be accepted for the school board election next April between Monday, December 12th, and Monday, December 19th.
Following the closed session, Kendall Burleyson was approved as an assistant South Central Middle School volleyball coach.
