AMBOY — The Amboy School District Board fulfilled their yearly obligation of holding a meeting at the Central School gymnasium on Sept. 15. Board President Nicole Jones opened the proceedings with a public hearing on the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget which runs from July 1, 2022 to June 31, 2023.  As required by law, the budget has been on public display and was ratified by the board.

Superintendent Joshua Nichols reviewed the current financial and expenditures and said that there has been a change to the grant funding and budgeting as a result of costs for equipment replacement. 

Junior High Principal Andrew Full gave a status report of the possibility of the school’s participation in soccer after parents Tanya Ketchum and Rebecca Lopez inquired at the last meeting. According to Full, the current Little 10 conference is debating whether to join the Illinois Elementary School Association creating uncertainty of the future prospects for Amboy Soccer. In his Principal report Full shared that the Art Club is underway with a healthy 22 students. The Girl’s volleyball team recently finished in second place at Montmorency in Rock Falls, and the first fire drill was Sept. 9. 

High School Principal Janet Crownhart stated that homecoming starts the week of Sept. 25 with the parade and football game commencing on Sept. 30 Representatives from the ISAC gave a presentation to the juniors and seniors about the college entrance application process. The career job fair is will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, with 46 businesses from around the local counties participating. 

Elementary School Principal Joyce Schamberger opened her report by letting everyone know that the first school assembly was held last week, along with sharing that the “Second Step” program offered for students from kindergarten to fourth grade had begun. This program sponsored by the Sterling YWCA covers the social and emotional aspects that the students may encounter such as bullying and inappropriate touching. A book fair is planned and coming up soon. Schamberger also explained that an unplanned fire drill had taken place as a result of a pre-schooler pulling the alarm. She went on to say that it was a good drill and practice for a real life emergency. 

In other business, Nichols explained that the school maintenance project grant was in place. He’s optimistic that $50,000 in state grant money will help with the cost of the recent replacement of two boilers. He also shared good news that the new stove and ovens that were originally delivered with no electrical components are up and running. He closed his comments stating how “exciting” it is to have the outdoor classroom and new playground installed and completed. 

“It all turned out very good” he said.