January 15, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Live at SJO School Board

We will be live at SJO School Board tonight. On the agenda: 2020 Health insurance, first-quarter financial report and three-year projection, 2019 tentative tax levy, risk management plan and the district’s site facility plan.

The board is in closed session now discussing a personnel matter with some concerned parents.

I am going to estimate there are 10 parents inside.

Parents have left. The board is discussing now. I am hanging out in the lobby. Cause #personnel.

I am still in the lobby.

Out of closed session and on to financial projections.
Operations and Maintenance expenses are higher than normal. “That is one I am really watching,” Superintendent Brian Brooks said.

Sales tax money is a little lower than normal.

Brooks and the Rantoul Superintendent met with County Clerk Aaron Ammons to discuss the property tax issues that they had this year. Brooks said it was a productive meeting.

“Our EAV projections are in the four percent range,” Brooks said. “A lot of us are concerned because these are higher.”

“They are projecting us at a four percent increase. That would be great if that is the case but not if you are a tax payer.”


The final EAV doesn’t have to be approved until December.

Brooks has done calculations that will not raise the tax rate beyond $2 or may even lower it. #alwayslookingoutfortaxpayers

Risk management plan is the same as last year. It will be formally voted on next month.

adjourned.






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