Du Quoin Schools Sign $450,000 Contract With Pepsi

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The Du Quoin Board of Education has inked a 10-year agreement with Pepsi Mid-America of Marion valued at $450,000 that will include new scoreboards for all of Du Quoin's athletic facilities ($95,000), a $100,000 cash contribution to the District 300 foundation, an annual $6,000 stipend to the district and $3,000 in annual sponsorships for the foundation dinner and golf and baseball tournaments and commissions on soft drink sales.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly extended his deep appreciation to Pepsi CEO Harry L. Crisp and said the negotiations were positive throughout. He said the district approached or was approached by other vendors, but said the ongoing relationship with Pepsi is good for the district.

After consideration of components of the contract agreement, the board approved a 10-year contract with Pepsi MidAmerica to be the soft drink vendor to the district.

Dr. Kelly said scoreboards at VanMetre Field, Anders Gymnasium, the DHS basefall field, Theobald gym and the Middle School will all be replaced with new digital scoreboards. He said the contract has provisions for additional equipment if new facilities are built during the course of the 10-year contract.

On the public agenda, Pete Doerr spoke to the board regarding a snow route that he felt couldbe extended along Park Street. The Board directed the district business manager to assist in seeing the route extended in this area.

Dr. Kelly gave the board preliminary information regarding the revision of the district's safety plan. A district safety committee has been formed to re-examine safety and risk management issues in the school district.

Dr. Kelly informed the board the district has yet to receive any categorical aid from the state during this school year. Over the course of the year in quarterly installments the district is reimbursed according to a formula for special education personnel and extraordinary costs, regular and special education transportation. In total, the district receives nearly $900,000 during the year in categorical aid.

Dr. Kelly shared with the board concerns with state funding that will definitely impact 2009-2010 budget planning. Each school will be examining potential cost cutting ideas that can assist in developing next school year's budget.

Dr. Kelly made the board aware that posting of positions due to retirement of staff members at the end of this school year is taking place. The positions include elementary computer/technology, 6th grade math, 6th grade language arts/reading, 8th grade reading/Title I, and high school foreign language (Spanish).

The superintendent made the board aware the district has recently received 67% of its property tax revenue collected and disbursed by the county treasurer. The check was for approximately $2,490,000, placed in all major funds.

Dr. Kelly informed the board the district will be participating in a school improvement case study that will be conducted by a Illinois Math and Science Academy student at the beginning of January. The study will be examining the successes the school district has achieved in various areas.

District manager Cory Robbins presented information to the board regarding the need for replacing the district tractor due to age and deterioration of the present tractor. The board will advertise for a new machine sometime within the next two months.

The board approved the submission of the District Rt I and Middle School Improvement plans to the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board approved the District property tax levy for 2008 payable in 2009. The approved levy represents a $133,000 increase over the previous year. The district EAV grew by 5.98% the past year with the overall levy reflecting a 3.57% increase from the previous year.

Robbins shared with the board information regarding the completion of the high school roof replacement project and related work. A final walk through for the project will be taking place today with the district awaiting the final inspection of the roof project from the roofing material provider.

The board entered into executive session at 7:22 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, a student disciplinary matter and litigation.

The board returned to executive session at 8:12 p.m.

The Board granted a request from Celena Lowes for maternity leave to tentatively begin on December 22, 2008 and conclude on January 20, 2009.