Dieterich Schools Report Good Ratings

Dieterich school board members heard good reports from their building principals at Tuesday's meeting.

Junior-Senior High School Principal Scott Kocher and Elementary Principal Josh Benefiel presented the Board with the Illinois State Board of Education designations. Both Dieterich Elementary and Dieterich High School have been rated as "Exemplary". 

There are four designations: Lowest Performing, Underperforming, Commendable and Exemplary. Only 334 elementary schools and 68 high schools in the state achieved "Exemplary" status.

Also Tuesday, Board members discussed the process to allow fulltime employees to enroll their children in the District, tuition free. There will be a public hearing on the matter prior to the December board meeting, and the item will be placed on the December board meeting agenda for consideration.

Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson told Board members about the proposed property tax levy for 2019, payable in 2020. The Board approved the tentative levy and will hold a public hearing on the measure at their December 16 meeting. Jackson told Board members that very little is different from levies of the recent past. Jackson also estimated a decrease in the overall tax rate for the District. He also shared additional tax rate information highlighting the low tax rates of school districts in Effingham County compared to others across the state.

Board members approved a property tax relief grant application. The grant could, potentially, provide funds for school districts to use to abate property tax. Jackson said the chances of qualifying for funds are very slim, but felt it was important to apply.

The Dieterich board also reviewed potential board policy updates and placed them on public display until considering formal adoption at the December meeting. Also approved was a three-year technology support service agreement with Quality Network Solutions.

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