Instead of a formal agreement, the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education opted to transport students to the Early Childhood Learning Center for a donation, in place of a signed contract.

“My proposal is to make it a stop for those students for the 25-26 school year, with a donation from the Early Childhood Learning Center,” Superintendent Deena Hilbig said.

The drop-off is for those who utilize ECLC only. For the 2024-25 school year, USD 327 transported 21 students to the learning center.

“We’ve had an ongoing relationship with them,” Hilbig said. “They’re willing to give us a donation and would appreciate continuing transportation.”

She said ELCL already budgeted $2,000 for USD 327, and will use it as a donation, rather than a contract. The board approved the new arrangement, with the stipulation ELCL has an adult present to meet youth.

The arrangement shifted because of new regulations.

In other business:

• Gina McGowan was elected board president for the upcoming school year and Ashley Bohl was elected vice president.

• The board approved appointments for the 2025-26 school year.

• The board approved two gifts and grants: $6,000 from the Post Rock Jaycees to purchase four swings for Kanopolis Middle school (and make additional improvements to the area around the swings) and about $500 worth of greenhouse supplies from Tractor Supply Co. for the Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School FFA.

• Hilbig said teacher negotiations were successful. The agreement was adopted 38-2. The new starting base pay will be $45,060. Additionally, several half-steps for other columns were approved. Compensation for the eSports coach was approved, as well as increases for FBLA and FCCLA sponsors.

• Hilbig reported that Ellsworth Police Chief Jerry Penny resigned and did not submit a grant application for a school resource officer. The district will not pursue a SRO position at this time.

• The board approved updated memorandum of understandings with the City of Ellsworth.

Hilbig said the agreement for the recreation center, city hall and sports complex will increase from $7,500 to $12,000 annually.

“We won’t be doing as much of the work,” McGowan said. “It’s not just paying more, they will do more for us.”

Hilbig said it sets firmer expectations.

“It breaks it down more specifically,” she said. “So it’s not our staff painting lines on baseball and softball fields. It will give us more time for our staff in their own building rather than trying to prepare the premises for the event of the day.”

Board member Brian Rush expressed concern about the cost.

“That’s a lot of money for athletics,” he said. “We want to nickeland- dime parents for other activities.”

Hilbig said FFA and Student Council both are able to utilize the recreation center, in addition to athletics.

The MOU for use of the golf course will not change, Hilbig said. She also pointed out the district has no formal agreement for use of the city’s tennis courts.

• The board adopted the use of school hours as its standard of measure, as opposed to days.

“When I have to cancel school or do a twohour day, we can afford to do that,” Hilbig said.

• Hilbig said budget preparation is currently in progress.

“Valuations did increase slightly, which is good for the district’s financial outlook,” she said.

Hilbig discussed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act with the board. She said funds for Title II, III and IV are affected.

“They have been impounded and are on hold. We have to wait and see,” she said.

The possible loss for USD 327 is $30,200. It breaks down to $16,363 for professional development and $13,831 for student support.

“It doesn’t mean cut Title,” Hilbig siad. “We will have to budget other money. We did get Title I allocation just this afternoon.”

She pointed out the district, like many across the state, continues to struggle with funding for special education.

“At the state level, we could recoup more than $600,000 if we did not have to fund special education assessment,” Hilbig said.

Board member Jake Svaty said his efforts to discuss funding with elected officials at the state level fell “on deaf ears.”

“Their excuse was ‘it’s fully-funded.’” he said.

Hilbig clarified the statement.

“General education is. Special education isn’t,” she said.

Board member Cynthia Edgerle said when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed, promises were made.

“When it was passed in the 70s, it was to be fully-funded,” she said. “It’s become an unfunded mandate.”

Hilbig encouraged both the board and community to advocate to state and nationallyelected representatives to assist with special education funding.

“ Advocacy is more important than ever,” Edgerle said.

• Following a 5-minute executive session, the board approved the following hires: Erica Arb, Ellsworth Elementary School kindergarten; Renee Ethier, EES grade 1; and Reagan Deines, custodian.

The board also rescinded the offer of student teacher and EES kingergarten from Jennifer Uridel.

A special board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today at the district office.

The next regular board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the district office.

“We’ve had an ongoing relationship with them. They’re willing to give us a donation, and would appreciate continuing transportation.”

Deena Hilbig

USD 327 Superintendent