Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Voted PPEL
Tuesday, March 2
Click to find: Where do I vote?
Embedded Files
Download the Property Tax Interactive Workbook by clicking the link: Property Tax Workbook
Property Tax Matrix for Homes with the Homestead Credit: Home Property Tax Matrix
Video Clips with Mr. Williamson's narration are available by clicking on the down arrow in the upper right corner of this page or click this link: Video Page
The district understands the need to have 1 to 1 devices for all students in all grades. Recently the district purchased chromebooks for all students in grades 4th to 6th. This provides an Ipad for each student in grades K to 3rd. Previously only half the students in a classroom had access to a device.
1 to 1 devices help enhance the student learning. 1:1 device means students can easily access the digital resources the teachers provide and find the information that they need to complete an assignment.
The state has mandated all students in grades K-12 are to be exposed to computer science course work starting in 2021. The world our students are growing up in require devices for communication and as end-users of software. The ability to program, repair, and use computerized devices will open multiple opportunities for our students in the future.
Preparing student for their future involves the proper use of digital devices instructionally and socially. Providing only half the class in the elementary grades a device while others watch is not efficient.
Creating the long=term planning of 1:1 devices is a priority of the PPEL resources.
Multiple areas of the district would benefit from remodeling.
One example is the Family Consumer Science area. The kitchen is not representative of CTE curriculum: Restaurant and Commercial Food Service. Everything in this room is original (1961). The curriculum in 1961 was directed toward the stereotypical home-maker. That is not the current reality of the program.
The first two pictures are pictures of the current facility. The last picture is an example of classroom in the Pekin district teaching the same curriculum. Notice the stainless steel and 3-hole sink in the back of the room.
CTE programs are great assets when we can keep their facilities current.
Many parts of all our buildings (Elementary and Jr-Sr High) are the original material and desks. All buildings were built over 40 years ago and have rooms and areas where remodeling is appropriate. It all can not be done at once, but the ability to plan knowing the resource is available would be fantastic for our students.
Transportation and Vehicles
Half of the vehicle fleet is over 11 years old. The district has began to purchase used buses regularly with approximately 45,000 miles. Expected cost of a used bus is $60,000. New buses cost $115,000.
Balance is needed in the cost of transportation and other school infrastructure. The vehicle fleet needs urgent assistance followed by long-term sustainability planning.
Three areas outside the Jr-Sr High School require long-term decisions. Two of the areas address parking areas and pavement. There are parking / driving areas at the Eddyville and Blakesburg Elementary buildings also which should be upgraded.
One of the more pressing issues is the long-term plan for the area that many people refer to as the South Campus at the Jr-Sr High School. These buildings were temporary fixes, but now permanent. As a district I would like to think 10 years into the future. If we maintain the current structures, what is the true maintenance. If we choose to create permanent structure attached to the building, what would it be. Planning required.
Currently the Jr-Sr High School is very short on space to accommodate our programs. The Home School Assistance Program is also a part of the South Campus serving 180 students.
This video illustrates the condition of the east wall of our Blakesburg building. The wall requires masonry attention in the form of tuck-pointing or replacement.
You will notice the condition is not limited to a small area, but the entire wall.
PPEL resources would be used to address this situation quickly.
This picture provides a view from above the Blakesburg building. Improving the entrance with a paved entrance would be beneficial.
Parking areas for staff and visitors would also be addressed with paving.
This an aerial photo above the Fremont building. The garage requires a new roof that is behind the building.
The property behind the Fremont building also requires our attention. As good neighbors we should not allow property to look delipidated.
Page updated
Report abuse