Your monthly Board of Education update

Read highlights from the Board of Education meeting held on August 14, 2024. Want more information? Click here to see the full agenda and supporting materials.

Matthew Badal, Savannah McMurtrie, and Alexavier Casanas were seated as our student board representatives. These students were selected from an interviewing team comprised of board members and the superintendent. They will serve in an advisory capacity to bring the student voice to board policy and decision-making.

FY24 ended with an operational surplus due to investment interest earned, Operations & Maintenance surplus, and savings in projected benefits. The bond proceeds purchased in 2024 have not been fully spent down to date, showing a significant overall surplus. Those funds will be depleted this fall as we make final payments for the work completed this summer.

Dr. Sonntag presented the tentative budget for FY25. There is a balanced Operating Budget (funds 10, 20, and 40). However, there will be a deficit overall budget due to the capital projects fund. The bond sale proceeds were received in FY24 but will be spent out still this fiscal year. Therefore, we are spending money received last year which makes it look like deficit spending.

The Board had a lengthy discussion regarding the purchase of 540 W. Lincoln Highway in Hinckley (formerly known as Hinckley Concrete). The Buildings and Grounds committee has been discussing this potential acquisition since

This topic has been addressed in several meetings, but had not been discussed openly as a discussion item. Minutes and briefs from the following meetings will demonstrate that property acquisition has been discussed openly at the Buildings & Grounds meetings and as committee updates in the regular Board meetings listed below. Additionally, in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, this potential purchase has been discussed in closed session at these Regular Board meetings: 

- May 22, 2024:   Regular Board of Education Meeting

- June 13, 2024:  Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

- June 26, 2024:  Regular Board of Education Meeting Closed

- August 7, 2024: Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting

Due to the sensitive nature of real estate transactions, specific details about the property, including its address, have not been disclosed so far. On August 14, we will discuss the property, evaluate the pros and cons of the purchase, review the information gathered during our research, and how it could be funded. As Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD#429 is currently landlocked, acquiring this adjacent land would significantly expand our campus and offer opportunities for future growth.

There will be a special Board meeting on Friday August 23 at which the Board will take action on the recommendation from the Buildings and Grounds committee's to purchase this property.

The board approved the high school athletic sponsorship fundraiser. This sponsorship allows for businesses to advertise on the electronic school board, the live stream of competitions, or with banners during the seasons. Proceeds will support continued enhancements within our athletic department.

In the consent agenda, the Board approved the personnel recommendations and the daily sub rates for 24/25 school year. We are excited to welcome many alumni into the Royal Staff family. The daily rates are Teachers: $130 and Paraprofessional: $115

The Board approved the new contract for Dr. Sonntag as Superintendent for 5 years. The initial contract upon hire was for 3 years, ending in 2025. The new contract extends her tenure through June 2029.