Geneva Board Of Education Meeting Recap

GENEVA, IL - From The Geneva Board of Education:

Bus Bid Approved

The Board unanimously approved the lowest responsible bid for the school bus purchase for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. Of the bids received, Midwest Transit Equipment was deemed most desirable in terms of meeting important safety and technical specifications, as well as reflecting the lowest net cost to the District after the guaranteed buy-back is executed. The sales price per bus is $83,872; however, because of the 2-year buy-back program, the net price is $11,742 per bus. The district will maintain the number of buses in its current fleet (49 72-passenger buses).

Todd Latham, coordinator of business services for the District, stressed the importance of safety features when considering the buses. Safe steps and wide entrances are among the District's requirements for new vehicles. Latham added that, thanks to our safe bus drivers, we are able to keep our buses in great condition when they are sold back.

Dr. Mutchler expressed his appreciation for the bus buy-back program. Not only does the program save money, but it also ensures that the district has the most up-to-date equipment with the latest safety features.

Click here to view the bid summary.

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Approved

Scott Duenser of Klein, Hall & Associates, LLC, presented the District's FY 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to the Board. Duenser referred to the report as "the gold standard in financial reporting" and thanked the District's Business Services Department for their help in creating the report. He also commended the District on its record-keeping standards, which according to Duenser makes the work of the auditor go smoothly.

Click here to see the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler thanked the Board and new teaching staff for attending the New Teacher Meeting earlier that day. The informal get-together offers new teaching staff the opportunity to meet Board members and share their impressions and teaching experiences thus far in the District. "Hiring in Geneva is a collaborative process," Dr. Mutchler said, adding that this meeting is one important example of how the District strives to collaborate and support new hires.

Next Friday, Dec. 22, is the last full day with staff and students before the winter break. School will resume on Jan. 8, 2018.

Board Comments and Reports

Board members commended the bus buy-back program and how it's a cost-efficient way to manage a fleet of buses while putting first students' safety.

Members attended a Facilities Task Force meeting in which several updates to buildings were discussed. Members believe that the District works hard to make updates where needed, and takes timely and appropriate action to keep students safe.

The Geneva girls' basketball team is on a hot streak this season, and the games are very exciting to watch since the team is now 9-0.

The District has updated its Vision logo to include the component: "Innovation for Excellence." This logo will be used throughout the district to communicate how Geneva 304 strives to implement innovative and meaningful practices to help students succeed.

Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash