FIELD FIRE IN ROYAL LAKE
Mulberry Grove Firefighters were dispatched Monday, at 3:52 p.m., to a report of a field fire at Minnesota and Massachusetts Avenues in Royal Lake. According to Mulberry Grove Fire Chief Dwight Volkmar, a trash and brush fire got out of control due to the high winds and spread to a vacant area just south of Rt. 40. About 1 – 1 ½ acres were burned by the fire but there was no damage to buildings or crops. Volkmar said the dense blowing smoke made visibility impossible for a time on about a 500 foot section of Rt. 40. Keyesport Firefighters responded with a brush truck to provide mutual aid. There were no injuries and firefighters were on the scene about 45 minutes. Dwight advises you not to light fires outside while conditions are so dry especially on breezy days.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 7TH ANNUAL YOUTH POLICE CAMP
Illinois State Police personnel are spearheading a week-long residency camp for youth ages 13-15 from the Metro East area. The 7th Annual Youth Police Camp is July 15-21 in Alton. The primary purpose is to establish inter-personal relations between youth of this area and law enforcement to create a better understanding of the problems and attitudes of both groups. The camp is based upon a military model of discipline and includes para-military drills, physical fitness exercises, and classroom instruction on drug abuse resistance education, team building principles, bullying, and other life enhancing skills. The cost to attend is $10.00. For more information call 346-3842.
MULBERRY GROVE SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES AMENDED BUDGET
At a special budget amendment hearing Monday, at 6:45 p.m., Mulberry Grove Superintendent Mike Gauch presented the amended 2012-2013 budget. Due to receipt of funds, figures showed a better picture than was anticipated. The board approved the amended budget.
During the regular meeting, Gauch explained the anticipated increased assessed valuation in Bond County for next year resulted in an additional $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 for the district while giving taxpayers a reduction on their overall school district taxes. The district received no state money in June but fund balances look good.
Junior high social studies teacher Caleb Thompson presented a program on aligning the school curriculum for grades K-12. New state legislation will require teacher and school evaluation be based upon student achievement. Curriculum alignment measures individual student growth, instructor and content effectiveness, is scored objectively, and is based on state standards.
The board decided to continue with the bus lease program and six new buses are at the school. Each bus is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance cameras.
Student insurance fees have increased for next year and registration fees will reflect an increase of $2.50 for students in grades K-8 and $5.25 for students in grades 9-12.
State funding for 2012-2013 is still not finalized, however, projections indicate a level of general state aid funding equal to 89% of the allocated funds for the school year.
The next meeting is Monday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m.
