The Greenville Junior High cafeteria was packed with a standing room only crowd of parents, teachers, and citizens Monday night for the Unit 2 School Board Meeting.
The main topics of interest on the agenda were a proposed 12.25% tax levy increase and the consideration of a contract for Unit 2 Superintendent Jeff Strieker.
The board opened with a public hearing on the tax levy proposal, during which about a dozen teachers and residents shared comments, both in favor of and against, the proposed increase.
Later, during their regular meeting, board members voted 5-2 to increase the tax levy by 12.25%, bringing the total levied amount to $7,979,223. The “no” votes were cast by James Jackson and Vance Daniken, with Edmar Schreiber, Jay Young, Nate Prater, Scott Gaffner, and Mike Timmermann in favor.
In other action, the board opened their regular meeting with an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. Following the executive session, the board opened the floor to public comment. Three individuals, one parent and two teachers, spoke in favor of Superintendent Jeff Strieker. One of them referenced an email that had been sent out a few minutes prior to Unit 2 staff from Mr. Strieker, announcing his resignation.
Immediately following public comments, board member James Jackson made a motion to extend Strieker’s contract by one year. The board voted 6-1 in favor, with Vance Daniken casting the “no” vote.
Superintendent Strieker’s administrative report was next on the agenda, wherein he announced his resignation as Unit 2 Superintendent, effective June 30, 2015. Strieker commented that he had secured an opportunity in another district in the State of Illinois where he had been offered a multi-year contract. To hear Mr. Strieker’s announcement tune to WGEL Radio 101.7FM during our Bond County Area News Tuesday at 6,7,8,9 AM, Noon and 4,5,6 PM.
Last year Strieker had been offered a one-year contract for the current school year. He has been Superintendent of the Unit 2 School District since 2009.
