Dieterich School Board Gets Update on Construction Trades Class

Dieterich school board members heard this week that the proposed Construction Trades Class for Effingham County students is being scaled back, but still on the horizon.

Original plans were for a multi-year program with education guidelines being coordinated by Lake Land College. The cost of the program under that scenario, according to Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson, is too great. The plans now are for a one-year program that does not include Lake Land involvement, with the course being held in Effingham Junior High School.

The Board also discussed the Community Development Meeting set for Wednesday. The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Dieterich Village Board, Dieterich Community Development Corporation, Montrose Village Board, and the school board. Various topics will be discussed related to the betterment of the community.

Jackson reported that Dieterich officials will attend the state school board convention in Chicago later this month, thanks to a grant from the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation. Board members Mike Winters and Danny Tague, Unit Secretary Julie Flach and Jackson plan to attend.

Principals Kevin Haarman and Cathy Pattenaude reported on the school district report card from the State, and Jackson shared a financial summary. His figures indicate Dieterich district is well below state average in per pupil spending, revenue amounts for this year are equal to last year, and that 60% of the funding received by the District comes from the State.

The Dieterich Board voted to participate in the State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program, which has saved the District money in the past, approved a leave for teacher Jodi Mammoser during a week in February, approved Lonnie Dean Tull as a volunteer assistant junior high boys basketball coach, heard plans to observe American Education Week next week with special activities each day, and heard that 91% of elementary students were represented and 40% of junior-senior high school students were represented during Parent-Teacher Conferences, with phone calls to those who weren't represented getting the Elementary rate to 100%.