The Centralia City Schools Board of Education approved a resolution to support a twelve-year extension of Centralia’s Tax Increment Financing District Three. Economic Development Director Rob Jackson and South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Director Luke Eastin spoke to the board about the benefits of the TIF promoting business development and revitalizing downtown Centralia. The city has been seeking support from each of the local taxing bodies for the TIF extension.
The school board approved the annual tax levy at a 4.9% increase. Superintendent Christina Becker said that while a levy increase below 5% is sufficient this year, the district may need to go above the 5% threshold for a Truth in Taxation hearing next year to meet the needs of the district. Becker hopes to keep looking at ways to adjust spending and ensure that the district is spending money wisely. Becker also noted that while this year’s tax levy has increased, the tax rate has decreased.
Assistant superintendent Elizabeth Hollenkamp reports that the district’s after-school program is going well. Currently, over 50 students are receiving support from the program.
The discipline report showed a 16 percent decrease in behavior incidents in November compared to October.
The board approved the purchase of 69 Chromebooks and Google Chrome licenses at a cost of $18,619.
In personnel, Amanda Holland was hired as a special education teacher at CJHS.
