Peotone School Board Approves UTV Purchase, Amends Budget

By Andrea Arens

In a loaded agenda during spring break in which three board members were absent, the Peotone School Board unanimously approved the purchase of a Kubota utility vehicle for $23,412.71. The purchase from the competitive bidding site, Sourcewell, did not come without questions.

Board member Tim Stoub said, “We’re borrowing all this money to make up the budget numbers, but then we’re buying equipment where we’ve not had it before.”

Stoub asked questions if snow removal would continue to be outsourced at PIC, and new Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Chris Crawford said that was only last year because of equipment being out. Crawford also said the new UTV would serve multiple purposes, such as snow removal, hauling, equipment, and even hauling equipment for athletics.

Stoub also suggested getting it in writing from the police department that the vehicle would be allowed to move between campuses before the order was placed. Board member Roger Bettenhausen made the motion, and Dawn Love seconded it. It unanimously passed, with President Tara Robinson and board members Jodi Becker and Jennifer Moe absent.

Discussion around the amended budget included questions from Stoub about whether working cash could be abated to cover the additional expenses. Certified School Business Official Trevor Moore explained the board already has approved moving the working cash funds to the education fund for this year. Moore also said there is money in the Tort fund, but the budgeted expenses are coming in higher than expected.

Moore said, “The budget is amended right now; all I’ve done is increase the estimated expenses in the Tort fund. So yes, expenses will be higher, because I didn’t look at any other funds in great detail.”

Moore offered Stoub an opportunity to work together at looking at other items in the budget where expenses might be lower, noting “By default, if you’re over in any item in the budget, it’s a flag on the audit.”

Moore confirmed that abating the working cash fund would not change the expenses in the budget, it would just show a lower working cash balance at the end of the year. The amended budget was motioned by Bettenhausen and seconded by Love, with unanimous approval.

Additionally, Stoub questioned the development and implementation of a new policy that would fine students parking in the high school parking lot without purchasing the $100 pass. Principal Spang reported that several students are parking in the lot without the purchase of the $100 pass and, while the students have been warned, there is no way to enforce it since there is no ordinance for such.

It was suggested that, in conjunction with the village, an ordinance be developed, so violators would be fined. Stoub suggested the policy be developed first with the village and then be brought back to the board for passing.

Stein said by removing the implementation, Officer Stankus would have to refer the policy to the village, and it would need to be passed by the village board. Stoub motioned to approve the report as amended to remove the word “implementation,” and it was seconded by Rick Uthe, with unanimous approval.

Stoub was concerned with the increase of Industrial Arts course fees, from $35 to $50. He said, “That was a hard one to read about. I’d hate for that to become a deterrent for students interested in Industrial Arts.”

Principal Spang added students do get to take their project homes. Stein added materials have been donated in the past, and that has been helpful.

CSBO Moore added the cost of materials has risen significantly, and those students qualifying for assistance would not be responsible for the fees. The increase was motioned by Bettenhausen and seconded by Love, with Uthe voting yes and Stoub voting no.

In approving the updated handbooks, Stoub noted the homebound instruction qualification was open ended, the infectious disease policy didn’t include COVID, and there was no clarification regarding the appointment of an infectious disease committee.

Stoub also mentioned the search and seizure policy common with most school districts and said, “That was hard to read as a parent, that my student could be subjected to a search without my prior consent.”

Stoub asked to put the handbooks on next month’s agenda. Stein countered that the handbooks read the same as previous editions.

Stein also said, “A search of a student is turn your pockets inside out. It’s never been a pat down, and it never will be.”

Bettenhausen reminded the board of the Michigan school shooting tragedy, in which several students were shot and said, “I think the administrator has to have the flexibility to determine what needs to be done for the safety of the students.”

The district’s attorney clarified there is no legal requirement for parents to be notified of a search, but that it’s best practice. Bettenhausen motioned and Love seconded, with unanimous approval.

In other news, the board approved the 27-acre cash farm lease for next year to Steve Quigley and Steve Spiess of Manhattan. The board also approved the Constellation energy contract for school years 2022-2025. The contract would fix the rate at $0.06781 kW through December of 2025. The board also approved the Engie natural gas contract for three years beginning in 2023, at a fixed rate of $0.4533 per therm, plus taxes.

The board unanimously approved the sale of property presented at a live auction on April 9 at the Will County Fairgrounds. Items include everything from lawnmowers and tools to vintage lights and vehicles. The board also approved the 2022-2023 IHSA fee of $1,625.

In executive session, the board discussed the dismissal of a third-year teacher and returned to approve the dismissal.

In the good news portion of the board meeting, Kerry O’Connell, PE teacher at PHS, was awarded the Peotone Bowling Center Excellence in Teaching Award for February.

Avery Klecka, daughter of Steve and Mary Klecka, was recognized as the PHS Academic Student of the Month. Avery is a sophomore and has a 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Peotone Junior High School Students of the Month were sixth grader Peter Wilinski, seventh grader Avery Chenoweth, and eighth grader Autumn Regal.

PHS Basketball player Mason Kibelkis was recognized for his 1,000^th-point career shot during the season. PHS Wrestler Kevin Hogan also was recognized for his 100th career victory this season.

The board recognized the following KACC students, who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society: Grace Battiato, Matt Derkacy, Kris Kmetty, Joel Lee II, and Lucas Raymond.