The River Trails School District 26 Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at River Trails Middle School. It was also livestreamed on our website. A recording of the full meeting is available for viewing on our YouTube page.
Here are the highlights:
- The Board recognized several students for recent accomplishments:
- First up was the River Trails Middle School girls and boys cross country runners who competed in this year’s state meet. This was the second consecutive year in which both teams qualified for state. The girls finished in 7th place and the boys in 10th place. These students were in attendance and received recognition certificates from Board President Bill Grimpe.
- The Board then recognized a couple of Indian Grove’s service clubs. IG Principal Bill Timmins said, “Thank you very much for inviting us tonight to show off some of the opportunities that IG students have to give back and to serve others.”
- The Beautification Club is new this year and “helps the students learn respect for our school and helps build a healthy learning environment,” according to club sponsor and IG teacher Karen Klawans. Students from the club spoke about their experiences and shared photos of some of the work they have done around the school.
- The Grover Community Service Group is made up of 5th graders who help raise money for local charities. “The students are showing responsibility by dedicating their time outside of school to help others in their community,” IG librarian Sheila Creaser said. Students from GCSG talked about their reasons for volunteering their time and efforts. They also showed off some of the crafts they have created in order to raise money.
- President Grimpe concluded the student recognitions by saying, “It’s not easy to get up and talk in front of people. You guys all did a great job and you’re doing wonderful things for Indian Grove.”
- First up was the River Trails Middle School girls and boys cross country runners who competed in this year’s state meet. This was the second consecutive year in which both teams qualified for state. The girls finished in 7th place and the boys in 10th place. These students were in attendance and received recognition certificates from Board President Bill Grimpe.
- Members of the school board were also recognized for School Board Members Day, which is celebrated annually on November 15. Board member Frank Fiarito was honored with the School Board Leader Recognition Award.
- Ms. Klawans spoke on behalf of members of the River Trails Education Association. “It is a pleasure and an honor to be here representing the RTEA tonight,” Klawans said. “I’d like to take a moment to thank everybody for all you do, your hard work and your dedication to our students and our district.”
- Board member Robert Rognstad, acting as delegate for the Illinois Association of School Boards, updated the Board on proposed resolutions that IASB will vote on this weekend. The Board voted in favor of accepting the recommendations from IASB for these resolutions.
- Joe Lightcap of the Baker Tilly accounting firm updated the Board on a recently conducted audit. An audit of the district’s finances is completed on an annual basis. Lightcap thanked Dr. Lyndl Schuster and the business office for their help during the audit and said, “Her and her team are always very prompt and thorough with their answers. It is much appreciated.”
- The Board approved a tentative 2022 tax levy and a schedule for properly presenting it to the public.
- Dr. Schuster presented recommendations for the district’s 2023-2024 student fee structure. The Board discussed these proposed changes and then approved the recommendations.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at River Trails Middle School. You can email the board at boe@rtsd26.org.