Unit 5 School Board

The revenue from the countywide sales tax will help to pay the debt off, but that will not roll in before the summer when repairs are most needed.

Unit 5 adopted a standards-based practices model several years ago and is continuing to make improvements for teachers, students and parents. On Wednesday, presenters outlined the recommendations task forces made for elementary, middle and high schools.

Two resolutions before each district's respective school boards this week pledge that "not less than 33%" of the proceeds from a proposed 1% sales tax will be used to reduce the property tax rate for at least five years.

Chiddix Junior High School is getting roughly $1.7 million to replace its roof, but that's only a small dent in an anticipated $50 million in facilities costs in the district over the next five years.

Unit 5's school board on Wednesday heard a proposal that would increase both the property tax levy and education fund tax rate for 2024. However, the overall tax rate would go down.

The Tri-Valley school district has seven candidates who have filed to run for school board for the April 1, 2025 election. The deadline to file is the close of business Monday.

Unit 5 school board president Jeremy DeHaai announced at Wednesday's meeting that he will not be running for reelection, citing personal reasons.

The Unit 5 board of education on Wednesday approved $222 million budget for 2024-2025 with a balanced education fund, but a transportation fund deficit that could widen.

The district is looking to pay off debts and use positive property tax trends to extend its financial health into the future. The school board also reviewed facilities projects that were completed over the summer.

The district is using more flexible zones where students can be assigned to multiple schools. This, along with portable classrooms, will be used to balance a growing student population.