The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
A grant from the Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $12,528.60 will help the Southern FFA Chapter in their work on the Southern school farm.
Natalie McGrew, former FFA sponsor, wrote the grant prior to leaving the district last year.
The purpose of the grant is to create a wetland restoration area, pond, timber stand improvement, savanna area and several outdoor classrooms.
The FFA is now under the guidance of Brandon Tate, who explained the Sucker Cooperative that members of the FFA are participating in.
A cooperative is a business owned and controlled by the people who use them.
The product that students will purchase, market and sell for profit will be Ozark Delights Lollipops.
This will give the students a hands-on application for learning about cooperative buying, selling and use of credit.
This type of activity will also allow the FFA to participate in a state competition sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates.
Mr. Tate hopes it will also interest other students in the program.
Mr. Tate also requested the FFA Chapter be allowed to conduct a fund raiser for ready to bake cookies, pizza bread (variety of toppings), large pretzels and cinnamon rolls.
The board said they would discuss the issue and get back to him later with a decision.
A bid for fuel was accepted from FS in the amount of .945 for unleaded; .925 for diesel and .975 for blend.
The other bid received was from Wisslead Oil for diesel in the amount of .969 and 1.01 for blend .
Board members looked at papers from Long Run Services, an independent agent for phone service.
Karen Jack stated the offer sounded too good to be true.
Members decided they would like to have Superintendent Barber check with other schools using the service and get more information.
Once he gets more information he will meet with the finance committee to make a decision on changing the phone service.
The board approved a budget of $6,572.13 for the Southern High School 2003 boys baseball, as presented by Coach Jim Cole.
Principal Dale Buss handed out the 2003 football schedule which Mr. Nichols has completed.
There are 9 games on the schedule, with 5 home games.
Mr. Buss said there will be 190 less miles to travel this season.
The board entered closed session at 8:20 p.m.
Following closed session the board:
According to Karen Jack the discussion on consolidation by board members was only an update on where they are, mainly waiting on the feasibility study.
There has been no formal contact from any other district regarding consolidation and there are no meetings planned with Union at this time.
Present were board members: Monty Waddell, Mike Bundy, Melissa Livermore, Karen Jack, Jon Corzatt, Superintendent Charlie Barber, Secretary Sharri Richard, Principal Dale Buss, Coach Jim Cole, FFA Instructor Brandon Tate.
Absent were board members Barry Bigger and Doug Brooks.