Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for May 14, 2025

The Beecher Board of Education appointed a new member, approved over $88,000 in major infrastructure repairs for the high school, and took formal disciplinary action against an employee during its regular meeting on May 14, 2025. Dr. Marie Hansel was sworn in to fill a vacant seat on the seven-member board and participated in the evening’s votes. The board authorized two significant plumbing contracts with Action Plumbing to address a failing water supply line and a bathroom drain at the high school.

In a key personnel matter, the board unanimously approved an unpaid suspension and a third Notice to Remedy for employee Jessica Carter. The board also approved its amended budget for Fiscal Year 2025 and hired three new support staff members. More detailed coverage of the high school repairs, the disciplinary action, the new board member, and the budget is available in separate articles.

Food Service Contract Extended:
The board unanimously approved a one-year extension of its food service contract. The extension ensures that cafeteria and meal services will continue without interruption for the upcoming school year. The decision, based on a motion by member Amanda Hanson and seconded by Adriana Diachenko, maintains continuity in the district’s nutrition program for students.

Fuel Agreement with Village of Beecher Approved:
The school district will continue its partnership with the Village of Beecher for fuel purchasing after the board unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). This agreement allows the district to leverage the village’s purchasing power for fuel, typically for district vehicles and buses, often resulting in cost savings and streamlined procurement.

Soccer Coach Decision Tabled:
The board decided to postpone a decision on hiring a new High School Boys Soccer Coach. Board President Ashley Belt tabled the agenda item during the new business portion of the meeting. The reason for the delay was not discussed in open session. The position will likely be reconsidered at a future meeting.

District Approves CCPE Opt-Out:
The board voted unanimously to approve the district’s opt-out of the “CCPE,” or an unspecified program referenced on the agenda. This procedural vote is often related to state-mandated evaluations or programs, allowing the district to use alternative systems or follow different guidelines as permitted by state law.

Treasurer’s Report Shows Over $8 Million in Funds:
Treasurer Mike Peters delivered the April 2025 financial report, stating the district’s total fund balance was $8,181,467.54 as of April 30. The education fund, the district’s largest, held over $5 million. April receipts totaled $785,356.95, while disbursements were $1,405,200.41. The board unanimously approved the report as presented.

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for March 20, 2025

The Beecher Fire Protection District is preparing for changes in its leadership and staffing after the Board of Trustees on March 20 approved the creation of a new Lieutenant position....
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.1

Beecher Fire District to Hire New Lieutenant, Approves Updated Appointment Process

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has authorized the creation of a new Lieutenant position and will begin accepting applications at the end of March. The...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.01.41 PM

Labor Representative Addresses County Committee on Public Transportation Reform Efforts

JOLIET — A labor representative warned Will County officials Thursday that proposed reforms to regional public transportation governance could diminish the county's voice in transit decisions during a presentation to...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.01.41 PM

Committee Advances $1.7 Million Upgrade Plan for River Valley Juvenile Detention Center

JOLIET — The Will County Executive Committee voted Thursday to advance a $1.7 million proposal to upgrade the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center rather than pursuing costlier alternatives to house...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.01.41 PM

County Executive Committee Briefs: Transportation Program Expands, Ordinances Updated

Mobility Management Program Expands to Three Townships: The Executive Committee approved an intergovernmental agreement to expand the Will County Mobility Management Program to include Channahon, Manhattan, and Plainfield townships. The...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.01.41 PM

County Executive Committee Advances Elected Officials’ Pay Increases After Extended Debate

The Will County Executive Committee voted Thursday to advance a proposal for pay increases for countywide elected officials and county board members, setting the stage for a final vote at...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.01.41 PM

County Considers Bond Refinancing That Could Save Millions

JOLIET — Will County officials on Thursday discussed a potential bond refinancing opportunity that could save the county approximately $3.6 million in debt service costs by taking advantage of favorable...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.14.20 PM

Will County Ordinance Committee Briefs: Unanimous Votes for Proclamations, Title Changes, Audits Discussed

Committee Clarifies Unanimous Vote Requirement for Honorary Proclamations: The Ordinance Committee refined language in Chapter 30 regarding honorary proclamations, specifying that they shall be allowed "only by unanimous vote" of...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.14.20 PM

County Undertakes Formatting Overhaul of Decades-Old Ordinances

JOLIET — Will County officials are modernizing the format and structure of the county's ordinances, some of which date back to 1943, as part of a comprehensive review process to...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.14.20 PM

County Reviews Rules on Virtual Meeting Attendance, Committee Participation

JOLIET — Will County officials discovered Thursday that their current practices regarding virtual meeting attendance may not fully comply with state law, as the Ordinance Committee worked through updates to...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.14.20 PM

Will County Ordinance Committee Reviews Administrative Code, Clarifies Official Powers

JOLIET — The Will County Ordinance Committee spent several hours Thursday reviewing and updating Chapter 30 of the county's Code of Ordinances, which governs county administration, with particular attention to...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.17.47 PM

Farmers, Residents Call for Action on Roadside Debris from Landfill Trucks

Local farmers and residents are urging county officials to address persistent litter problems along routes used by trucks traveling to and from Prairie View landfill. The issue emerged during public...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.17.47 PM

County Landfill Meeting Briefs

Landfill Minutes Approved: The landfill committee unanimously approved minutes from its February 11, 2025 meeting. All committee members were present, including Hickey, Brooks, Bulock, Logan, Newquest, Pretzel, and Dean Schlotman....
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.17.47 PM

Geological Features Central to Landfill Expansion Plans

Geological characteristics that were formed thousands of years ago make Prairie View an ideal location for landfill operations, according to the geologist leading expansion plans for the facility. During Wednesday's...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.17.47 PM

County Considers Two Options for Prairie View Landfill Expansion

Prairie View landfill could extend its lifespan by up to 35 additional years under expansion plans presented to the county's landfill committee on Wednesday. Consultant Marty Fallon outlined two potential...