Next, the "minutes"...

Approximately 50 people were in attendance at the first of three scheduled "Community Meetings" to discuss "District Re-Organization". (WPSD TV Channel 6 was also in attendance...film at 10.)

I had vowed NOT to take notes at the meeting, but, of course, I couldn't resist.

However, I'm going to limit my comments in this post...save some for the post to follow Thursday's meeting at Emerson Elementary. After I hear this information TWICE, I can be more assured of its accuracy.

For example...

Superintendent Swopes distributed a "Preliminary Floor Plan" for the new, improved "Green Hallway" at CJSHS...

This area will house the preschool program (IF THERE IS ONE) and the Superintendent's complex. A cursory review of the floor plan indicated significant remodeling which prompted my only question of the evening..."How much will the remodeling of the "green hall" cost. Superintendent Swopes response..."$300,000 to $500,000".

After my "Shanty Town" reference of this morning (the original plan to house preschool in relocatable buildings "out back" of CJSHS), I have to admit to thinking..."Wow, from the outhouse to the penthouse!"

Later, another attendee asked about remodeling costs/transition costs and Superintendent Swopes responded once again with a figure of $300,000 to $500,000".

Well, I thought...is that ANOTHER "$300,000 to $500,000", or is it the same "$300,000 to $500,000" figure that was given for the "green hall" remodel?

THAT was going to be my question for Thursday night at Emerson Elementary. However, Madame CAT President called me later and told me that she had already asked the question and received a clarification...there is one and only one "$300,000 to $500,000" amount involved.

The other handout of the evening (that wasn't really discussed) was the floor plan for Emerson Elementary, where grades K-6 will be housed.

Various members of the audience expressed concern over moving the Grade 3-6 students "backwards"...the possible demoralizing effect and the possible negative impact upon student achievement. Another concern was the "age appropriateness" of the Emerson Elementary facility for older students.

In particular, concern was raised over the "cafeteria/gym" area at Emerson Elementary. The response from Superintendent Swopes was that "We are still working on it." Needless to say, this brought little comfort to those expressing the concern.

Personally, this is one problem that had not occurred to me. The more I thought about it, though...Emerson students using the cafeteria to eat, Bennett students using the cafeteria to eat, Emerson students using the cafeteria/gym for PE, Bennett students using the cafeteria/gym for PE...that's a helluva strain on one room! But, then again, THAT was the purpose of having community meetings...the more heads the better!

Other "highlights" from my notes...

• A finance lesson: CSD #1's "EAV" (Equalized Assessed Valuation - Value of Real Estate) has decreased from $20 million to $14 million since 2002. To generate additional revenue, the BOE has been forced to increase the property tax rate on those taxpayers who are left. Property taxpayers in most IL school districts pay $3 per $100 of assessed valuation, whereas CSD #1 property taxpayers pay $7.20 per $100 of assessed valuation. OUCH!

• CSD #1 is currently project NO PRESCHOOL for next year because of uncertainty of state funding. However, the District is hoping to provide three (3) preschool classes next year (instead of the four currently offered.) State funding for preschool will not be known until summer.

• Closing Bennett Elementary and the CCEC (old junior high building) will save $120,000 per year.

• Superintendent Swopes DID allow that there were current discussions of keeping the CCEC open...in cooperation with Shawnee Community College...Item #VI.-F on the agenda. (CAT Tracks Editor's Opinion - THIS IS ESSENTIAL! This would provide a "fall back" option. Folks...there are a multitude of unknowns and potential SNAFUs boiling below the surface. If we open school next August and find out that OOPS, we have a problem, the availability of the old junior high building could be our salvation! I mean, we went down this road once before...shutting CJHS and reopening CJHS, at great expense. Let's don't be so quick to repeat history!)

Superintendent Swopes, as he closed his remarks prior to the question-answer session, stated that he was not looking at the restructuring as a "gloomy situation". Far from it, Superintendent Swopes said that he was "EXCITED" about the prospects...saw this as an opportunity to "jump start" the District..."to take the District from where it used to be to where it can be."

Next meeting - Thursday, February 25th, Emerson Elementary, 6 p.m.