11-19-2008

RE-ENFORCEMENT NEEDED AT ALTON HIGH SCHOOL

 

Madison County Sheriff's Deputies responded earlier this week to a call of a large gathering and a student down at Alton High School. Alton Police, Jersey County Sheriff's Officers, Wood River Police Officers and the U.S. Marshal's Office responded to provide assistance.  Several juveniles and one adult were taken into custody at the high school.  One juvenile was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for a concussion and later released. 

 

Michael L. Mitchell, age 19, a student at Alton High School, was arrested and charged with alleged battery.  An investigation revealed that a confrontation between two juveniles might have sparked a second confrontation, which resulted in the arrest of Mitchell.  Four other Alton High School juvenile students are petitioned for charges ranging from alleged disorderly conduct to battery.  Another juvenile student was transported to the Madison County Juvenile Detention Facility for the offense of alleged aggravated battery.  Mitchell's bond has been set at $10,000.00.  

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UNIT 2 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

 

The Bond County Community Unit School District #2 School Board met Monday night at Greenville High School. One of the most important items for discussion was the 2009 property tax levy. Currently, the County Assessor estimates a 5% property value increase in residential, farm residential, commercial and industrial property. Superintendent Melanie Allyn proposed the district base the levy on an increase closer to 9%.  It was explained that if the district lowers their levy below the actual assessment increase in property value, then the district could lose state and federal funds.  However, if they over estimate the assessment increase, there is no penalty for the district.  Also, regardless of the percentage rate of assessment increase, the district will not collect more from the property tax than is available.

 

 

RESOLUTION ON HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECTS

 

The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees will meet Thursday, November 20^th, at 7:00 PM for their regular meeting.  Dinner will be at 5:30.  Agenda items include approval of a partnership agreement with Western Illinois University, an approval to award the bid for furniture for the Greenville Education Center, and a public hearing on issuance of general obligation community college revenue bonds.  Resolutions on health and safety projects and liability and worker's compensation issues will also be discussed. 

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MULBERRY GROVE UNIT 1 BOARD CONSIDERS TENTATIVE TAX LEVY

 

The Mulberry Grove Unit 1 Board of Education met recently, for their regular meeting.  In his Superintendent's report, Mr. Greg Irwin presented the tentative tax levy information for 2009.  Mr. Irwin compared figures from the 2008 levy with projected amounts and rates for next year.  Some 2009 line items are slightly higher than for 2008 while some are lower.  Overall, the projected tax levy rate for 2009 is expected to be slightly lower than this past year.  The board received the report and approved it for display.  A tax levy hearing is scheduled for December. Irwin reported that the district is currently in good financial shape but cautioned that the future may contain difficulties due to delayed state payments. 

 

Junior High / Senior High Dean Ryan Bauer reported that the school play, November 7-8, was very successful, giving credit to sponsors John Paine and Dianne Neathery and the students.  Another dinner theater presentation is planned for spring.

 

The proposed senior trip itinerary was presented and approved by the board.  This year's senior trip will be to Chicago.

 

Most of the building improvements and repairs are completed.  Late spring or early summer is the projected timetable for playground surface replacement due to wet conditions.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for December 15^th.