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

Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Health Department Faces Funding Cuts, Reviews Options for Programs

The Will County Health Department is assessing its options after being notified of the termination of a $1 million federal grant for respiratory disease surveillance and outbreak response, officials told...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

County Health News Briefs

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reports Full Capacity: The county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with all 156 beds filled and a waiting list, Administrator Maggie McDall...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Substance Use Initiative Reports Early 2025 Overdose Data, Outreach Efforts

Will County has recorded eight fatal overdoses and seven overdose reversals so far in 2025, according to data presented to the county health committee on Wednesday. Connie Dewal, program manager...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

County Food Access Program Reports Progress on ARPA-Funded Initiatives

Four community organizations are expanding food assistance services across Will County through nearly $80,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by the county's food access collaborative. Caitlyn...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.24.10 PM

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reaches Full Capacity, Completes Bed Upgrades

Will County's Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with a waiting list for admissions, prompting officials to consider reinstating a policy that would prioritize county residents, Administrator...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Will County Land Use and Development Briefs: Minor Subdivision, Extension Approved, Tiny Homes Advocate Returns

Committee Approves Minor Subdivision to Correct Illegal Land Division: The Land Use and Development Committee unanimously approved a minor subdivision plat for the Crown Holm Family Trust in Lockport Township,...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Will County Considers Relaxing Size Restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units

JOLIET — Will County officials are considering revisions to zoning regulations that would allow larger accessory dwelling units (ADUs), potentially expanding housing options in the county while addressing concerns about...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Resident Urges County to Restrict Residential Motocross Tracks After Neighborhood Dispute

JOLIET — A Will County resident appeared before the Land Use and Development Committee Thursday urging officials to modify zoning codes to prohibit motocross tracks in residential neighborhoods, citing an...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

Committee Approves Truck Terminal Special Use Permit After Safety Modifications

JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted Thursday to approve a special use permit for a truck terminal in New Lenox Township, after the applicant made...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 2.08.10 PM

County Committee Approves Two Solar Energy Projects Despite Farmland Concerns

JOLIET — The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved two commercial solar energy projects Thursday, advancing the proposals to the full county board for final consideration despite concerns...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

Will County Approves Vision Zero Initiative to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Will County has officially adopted Vision Zero, a data-driven safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities throughout the county. The Public Works and Transportation Committee unanimously approved the resolution, which...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

County’s First Roundabout Planned for Exchange Street and Beecher Road Intersection

Will County's first roundabout is advancing to the final public meeting phase, with construction tentatively scheduled for 2027. County Engineer Jeff Ronaldson announced that the Department of Transportation will hold...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

County Accepts $377,000 Developer Donation for Romeo Road Improvements

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has accepted a $377,000 donation from a developer to fund roadway improvements at the southeast corner of Romeo Road and Weber Road...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

Contracts Awarded for LED Signal Upgrades and Guardrail Maintenance

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has approved contracts for two significant infrastructure maintenance projects: LED traffic signal upgrades and guardrail maintenance across the county. A contract for...
Screenshot 2025-05-04 at 3.03.49 PM

BRIEFS: Will County Public Works Projects

County Line Road Resurfacing Contract Awarded: The committee approved a $767,249 contract to Iroquois Paving Corporation for resurfacing County Highway 58 (County Line Road) from N5000 East Road east to...