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Bloomington School Board Seeks To Fill Vacancies

Michael Hill
/
WGLT
School Board members watch a presentation on ACT and SAT testing.

The Disctrict 87 School Board is looking for two new school board members. John Dirks resigned last month. Judith Webster announced her resignation Wednesday. Speaking of Webster, School Board President Jennifer Sedbrook said she has a passion for the arts. "Getting students involved in art and dance and drama and band, she was very committed to that. And that was a voice that was very helpful to have on the board."

Interviews for the positions will take place later this month. Two appointees will join the board next month. Their terms end in April of next year.

Superintendent Barry Reilly says it takes a full year to get used to the position. "It's a lot of work. It takes a lot of time, really, to learn school finance and all the nuances of law around schools. And, in fact, it's a never-ending process." Reilly says new members receive guidance from quality board members already in place.

On another matter, the budget impasse in Springfield continues to have an effect on students and parents at District 87. Board members say they are not happy about the new state requirement for high school students to take SAT tests. With no funding from the state, parents or students will have to pay out-of-pocket to take either the ACT or SAT exam for college.

The district is borrowing money to help pay for some of its capital expenses. Reilly says additional bonds may be used to pay for operational expenses if lawmakers continue to delay the state budget. "Given the state of the state right now, it really is the only prudent thing for us to do, quite frankly. We think we'd be doing a disservice to our kids and families if we did not look to provide some cushion."

Board members named Mary Yount as vice president. Jennifer Sedbrook served her first meeting as board president following the resignation of John Dirks.

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