TON-03-25-2016

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1 Front Volume 142 No. 16

Friday, March 25, 2014

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Tonica Grade makes tough cuts Programs eliminated for students

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Financial and funding difficulties have finally taken their toll for Tonica Grade School, and various programs and activities were cut from the school in an effort to cut costs. The Tonica School Board had to make some tough decisions regarding its programs at its meeting Wednesday, March 16. With a deficit of $200,000,

the board had to act, but even numerous cuts will not solve the issue. According to Superintendent Lawrence Carlton, the cuts will save the school roughly $60,000, but this is a low amount for what has been lost. “I was hoping somewhere around $80,000 to $90,000,” Carlton said. “This will not balance our budget for next year.” What was lost The board voted to elim-

inate the summer school program and the summer media staff, as well as the stipends associated with these programs. With the internal technology coordinator retiring at the end of the year, the board voted to eliminate the position and associated stipends. Once it came time to decide the fate of the music program, the board entered closed session. Despite music teacher Greg Myers’

pleas at the public hearing, the members returned and voted to discontinue the program and participation with the intergovernmental agreement it had with Dimmick. Board member Al Leffelman voted against the cut. The board also voted to cut the preschool program. At previous meetings, members had acknowledged this possibility and noted this decision, as it has now been made, would likely prove divisive. The program had

been operating at a loss, and the number of students made it difficult to justify the continued expense. The art program was eliminated, and part-time certified art teacher Carlee Skinner honorably dismissed. However, Skinner is being brought on as a full-time paraprofessional. Paraprofessional hours have also been cut down from 1,288 to 1,261. Board president Jeremy Hillyer

said these hours are being cut from the early out days. The first Wednesday every month, the school lets out at 11:45 a.m. for a school improvement and professional development day. The paraprofessionals can now go home at this time, along with the students. Hillyer said this used to be the arrangement and was only recently updated to have them stay.

Cuts Page 2

Bunny tales ...

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Lostant librarian Christine Hubbard has a wide selection of Easter-themed books available for children who’d like to read stories about the Easter Bunny and other egg hunting adventures. If the weather for Easter Sunday turns gloomy and damp, as is predicted, a colorful book may help keep the day bright and cheerful. The staff at the Tonica News wishes everyone a blessed and Happy Easter.

Mapping out the future in Tonica

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — The Tonica Village Board is continuing to look at putting Tonica on the map — rather, on a number of maps. The board spoke at its meeting Monday, March 21, about the easement project and the maps which will show where everything is.

Vol. 142 No. 16 Two Sections - 16 Pages

Some of the maps included would be a wall map, a PDF file and some booklet maps. “We’ll even laminate it for you,” village engineer Jack Kusek said of the wall map. Not everything has been decided yet, and there are still possibilities to take into consideration.

Maps Page 2

A journey on Tonica’s sidewalks/roads Village board looks at options

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Sidewalks and roads were a topic of debate at the Tonica Village Board meeting Monday, March 21, with some contention. It was proposed to put a sidewalk along the street near the village hall, but Mayor

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Kevin Sluder voiced his opinion that other areas should receive more priority. “I would rather see one on 20th Road than here; that’s more of a health hazard for people who have to walk,” Sluder said. “I want it for safety reasons, to go by First and Second.

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Love. Protect. Heal.

C


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