ASL Program Launch and School Facility Funding Details

The board discusses the launch of a new American Sign Language program, highlighting its growing popularity and curriculum approval. In addition to highlighting the city tournament and an upcoming school board candidate forum, updates on bond sales and taxes are provided for the funding of school facility improvements. 11mins

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Original Meeting

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Springfield District 186 Board of Education on YouTube
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025
7004.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
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Brian Wojcicki
Springfield, Illinois
Government Relations & Legal Services Professional
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In This Video
  • Superintendent Gil provides a detailed overview of the upcoming Bank of Springfield 2025 City Tournament, including the schedule of games, sponsors, and additional events like halftime performances and Unity Day. 
  • Superintendent Gil discusses the significance of American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language, highlighting its status as the third most studied language in the U.S. and its acceptance by the Illinois State Board of Education. 
  • Superintendent Gill shares statistics on ASL credentialing. 
  • Superintendent Gill highlights the nationwide use of ASL and the opening of ASL classes to District 186 students. 
  • Superintendent Gil outlines the timeline and process for implementing ASL courses, including curriculum approval, job postings, and course selection deadlines. 
  • Superintendent Gil discusses the curriculum choice for ASL, detailing the costs and features of the selected program, and the plan for purchasing materials based on student enrollment. 
  • Superintendent Gil continues with updates on construction progress at Springfield High School, including details about the new gym and administrative offices. 
  • Public comment by Springfield Education Association union president Aaron Graves on teaching assistant pay equity, commending six previous speakers and urging the board to resolve pay disparities for teaching assistants. 
  • Anne Noble from Stifel Public Finance is introduced for a presentation on bond sales for facilities funding. 
  • Anne Noble presents on the district's bond sales strategy, explaining the types of bonds, their purposes, and the legal processes involved. 
  • Anne Noble outlines the bond funding timeline, proposing the issuance of $83.4 million in sales tax revenue bonds in spring and additional bonds next year. 
  • Anne Noble explains the proposed bond payments and their long-term commitment, emphasizing the use of sales tax revenue for 20 years. 
  • Anne Noble concludes with a graphical representation of debt service payments and outlines the board actions required for bond issuance. 
  • Discussion on the approval of a resolution regarding a farm lease, with Board President Miller expressing frustration over the long-term holding of the property. The resolution passes. 
  • Approval of the use of Lanphier Auditorium for a January 28th Board Member Candidate Forum. 
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