The Bluford Board of Education held its regular December meeting on Thursday, December 15.
Information from administration was shared with the Board that included:
The grade school had boiler issues that have been repaired, but the boiler may need to be entirely retubed, which would be very expensive. As such, alternative heating systems are being explored for the elementary classrooms.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, numerous children are receiving gifts. Donors provided $400 through the KARE program. An individual donated $500 for coats, hats and gloves. Another individual donated $1,000 coordinated through the United Way to provide 10 children with Christmas gifts. Finally, the Bluford Ruritan Club and East Hickory Hill Church donated several boxes of toys for children. Thank you to everyone who helped in this effort.
The district received a $16,541.56 grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to purchase locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and meat to help with the supply chain disruption.
The Board took action to employ Mr. Thomas Kent as a physical education teacher at Webber. Mr. Kent, a native of Fairfield, is scheduled to begin January 2. Additionally, the Board acted to employ coaches for the fall of 2023 including: Jackson Pierce- HS Cross Country, Donna Wilkey- HS Head Volleyball, Hannah Pierce- GS Cross Country, Mark Hicks -GS Head Baseball, Shannon Hefner- GS Assistant Baseball, Matt Hicks-GS Head Softball, and Josh Simmons- GS Assistant Softball.
Lastly in personnel, the Board accepted the resignation of Webber High School Principal, Jamey Hodges. Mr. Hodges has been hired as the next Superintendent at Farrington Grade School. Bluford USD wishes Mr. Hodges the best in his next position!
Other action items included the adoption of the annual tax levy for the grade school, high school, and unit districts. The Board approved PRESS Policy issue 110 updates. The Board also acted to seek bids for a new school bus for the 2023-2024 school year. Finally, the Board increased compensation for high school basketball officials (JV $70, Varsity $85, two games $120).
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the district office.