April 19, 2024
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Hall High School receives positive financial report from auditors

School administration discussing possible addition for auto mechanic program

By Becky Kramer
Hall High School

Hall High School (Photo provided by Hall High School)

SPRING VALLEY — The Hall School Board heard the audit presented by Kim Bird of Hopkins and Association during Wednesday’s meeting. There were no problems found and Hall ended FY21 year with a positive fund balance.

The state aid that Hall received last year was consistent with past years, but federal aid was up significantly due to the money received from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund).

The financial profile score provided by the Illinois State Board of Education was a 3.7 out of 4.0, which places Hall in the highest category, Recognition Status.

Superintendent Jesse Brandt discussed the idea of possibly adding on to the north side of the current maintenance garage to provide more space for the auto mechanic program. Brandt suggested using federal funds for the expansion so they wouldn’t have to borrow money or raise taxes.

Brandt has asked architects from Green and Associates to visit the school and provide suggestions for creating additional space for the program. Brandt will then meet with the auto mechanic teachers to see what they need.

Brandt said, “The construction would be fairly quick and it would be ready for next school year. This would allow us to expand the curriculum which would give kids skills that they can use in the future. Hopefully, it will keep them interested and keep them in school.”

Principal Adam Meyer shared September attendance and discipline reports. Meyers reported to the board that an attendance committee was started to put in place interventions for students with attendance issues. The committee meets every two to three weeks to discuss the students.

Meyers said, “I feel we have a better handle on attendance this year. I feel good about what we are doing.”

In other news:

• Jack Boroski of Heartland Bank presented a check in the amount of $425 for the 25 touchdowns that were scored this season by the Hall Red Devils Football Team.

Hall Principal Adam Meyer (left) receives a check from Jack Boroski (right), Hall board member and representative of Heartland Bank, in the amount of $425 for the number of touchdowns scored during the football season. (Photo Provided)

• Graduation was set for Sunday, May 15, at 1 p.m. on the football field, weather permitting.

• The student council raised money to purchase a light display for the Festival of Lights held at Rotary Park in LaSalle. Donations were made by the Hall Booster Organization (HBO), the Hall Education Association, Spring Valley City Bank credit card program, the Class of 1955, Pep Club, Girls Basketball and Baseball, Spanish Club, Boys Track and the sophomore class.

• Parent-Teacher conferences were held on Thursday, Oct. 21.

• The counseling department took the entire senior class on a college visit to IVCC on Oct. 13. The students learned about the admission process, the educational and financial advantages of attending a community college and all the career opportunities and academic programs IVCC has to offer.

• The Spanish department will be taking trips to Spain in June of 2022 and June of 2023.

• The HAC will be putting on a pumpkin decorating contest during lunch on Friday, Oct. 29.

• The board approved Zaq Zrust as a volunteer baseball coach for the 2022 season.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Hall library.