As far as summer projects go in Flossmoor School District 161, Superintendent Dana Smith had some good news Monday, June 13, during a regular meeting of the board of education but also some complications to share.
“I feel like every little piece of good news may have a little bit of bitter on the back end of it,” Smith told the board.
The good news: a pre-K playground at Flossmoor Hills has been installed. Smith thanked the Illinois State Board of Education for helping to secure funds for the playground, as well as staff who coordinated on the opportunity.
(Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
“It has been a long time coming, but it’s open for use,” Smith said. “Now we have another opportunity for our youngest learners at Flossmoor Hills to play on equipment that’s their size, that’s developmentally appropriate. We’re moving forward there, and we’re really excited.”
But D161 is holding off on other playground installations for now while awaiting supplies, he said.
“We want to make sure we see the actual materials before we start to dig up anything on the campuses,” Smith said. “With the supply chain issues that we’ve had, we think that’s the safest way to move forward.”
The district also started work on asphalt repairs that had been scheduled for June. But repairs have been put on hold because of a limestone quarry strike in Thornton, according to Smith.
“Since that provides the bedrock for the playgrounds and all those pieces, those projects have been put on hold,” he said. “Hopefully that gets resolved here in the next week or two and those projects can continue.”
Other Business
- The school board voted 4-0 to approve its tentative fiscal year 2023 budget. It shows an estimated deficit of $172,225, in line with prior discussions on the budget. Board members Carolyn Griggs, Misha Blackman and David Linnear were absent.
- The board also voted 4-0 to approve the hiring of an additional social worker for the 2022-2023 school year. The $70,000 salary and benefits cost of the position is being paid out of a Community Partnership Grant, according to a board document.
- Smith read a resolution honoring Dr. Von Mansfield, the outgoing superintendent of Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School for his 21 years of service to District 233. Smith highlighted Mansfield’s career accomplishments and partnership with D161.