Published on May 19, 2025 7:43 pm
Last Updated on May 20, 2025 6:13 am
The Effingham County Board Monday voted to oppose Illinois House Bill 2827, the Homeschool Act pending in the General Assembly. The decision came with a couple of changes in the resolution. One changed the wording in the final paragraph from “infringes on” to “violates”.
The Board also removed a Whereas stating that existing truancy and child welfare laws, including those enforced by truant officers and DCFS, provide mechanisms to address isolated incidences of educational neglect or abuse. That’s because information was shared by two representatives of the Regional Office of Education that they have “no teeth” in such situations.
Another concern is that, while many parents are doing well as home schoolers and their children are doing well, Soltwedel said he knows of instances and the Regional Office of Education spokesmen know of instances where parents have pulled their children out of school so “no one comes to their door”.
The Board was also to consider approval of ordinances governing solar energy conversion systems and wind energy conversion systems. Action on those two items was delayed until at least the June meeting so the ordinances could undergo further review. The Board did establish a Wind and Solar Committee to be ready when interests seek approval of wind or solar projects. Sandi Rich will chair the committee, Tim Ellis will serve as vice-chair and Mike Buzzard will also serve on the committee.
Appointments were approved including Cletus Bloemer, Brian Bohnhoff and Todd Wachtel to the Agricultural Area Board, Dr. Nancy Huels as County Veterinarian, and Charles Braasch to the Board of Review. Also, hotel/motel funding was approved for events…$2,750 for the Lake Sara Fireworks, $1,500 for Village of Dieterich fireworks, and $750 for VW Funfest ad a downtown movie night.
The Board awarded a bid for first floor renovations in the Sheriff’s Office to low bidder Grunloh Construction of Effingham for $38,200.
