The Centralia High School Board of Education approved a property tax levy increase of up to 5.99% at the board meeting on Monday. The Board granted Superintendent Chuck Lane the authority to select either a 4.99% or 5.99% increase depending on information yet to be reviewed. According to Lane, this is expected to be offset by a decrease in the district’s bond indebtedness. In fiscal year 2024, the school makes its last payment on the bonds that funded the construction of the new high school building. This decrease in debt for the school district could translate to a lower tax rate, even with an increased levy. If the levy increase is above 5%, the school will be required under Illinois law to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at the next board meeting.
Centralia High School’s FY 2023 audit showed the school district to be financially healthy. The district received a financial profile score of 3.9, giving the district Recognition status. This is the highest score the district has received in over 20 years. Lane was pleased with what this score represents for the district.
“We’ve done really well financially the last several years. It’s a testament to our board and how everyone’s trying to make good decisions financially… It’s good to be able to talk about some positive news and be able to do some new things for our students instead of having to talk about what we’re going to cut or what we can’t do.
The board authorized the purchase of a replacement for an obsolete elevator control system using Health and Life Safety funding for $21,000.
The board also approved a $50,000 school maintenance grant to be used for painting within the school.
Letters of Resignation:
· Dan Knox, Social science teacher, effective November 17, 2023.
· Ikenya Margrum, Annex aide, effective November 30, 2023.
New Employment:
· Annie Berry, teaching assistant, effective January 8, 2024.
· Michael Beal, EA sports coach for the 2023-24 school year.
· Ryan Hargis, full-time annex aide, effective December 4, 2023.
