Wednesday's Email to Rep. Hammond on the Budget Fiasco

My Most Recent Email to Rep. Hammond:

Representative Hammond. Tell your colleagues that enough is enough. Your work on the bipartisan budget proposal is appreciated. Our state's K-12 students, poor citizens, elderly, abused, college students, employees and infrastructure deserve better than a staring contest that puts so many people and institutions into peril. The VIT School District will feel immediate impacts if there is no GSA. Parents in our district have lost jobs at WIU. We have parents and kids not receiving social services at an acceptable level, and our Fulton County and McDonough County neighbors are all feeling the same effects.  Use all of your might to get the Governor and the Speaker to do what is RIGHT.

Thank you,

Mike Curry

Superintendent/Principal

VIT CUSD#2

Budget Fiasco

Illinois' Budget Fiasco 

click here for the background and potential impact on the entire state:

http://www.sj-r.com/opinion/20160628/enough-illinois-budget-standoff-must-be-resolved

Illinois is the nation's only state without a budget in place. In fact we haven't had a real budget for over a year.  The only real budget passed last year funded K-12 education. While we are appreciative of the 15-16 funding, we also understand and see the irreparable consequences our state's most vulnerable citizens (poor, elderly, abused, etc) have suffered. Additionally, the effects of no funding for Higher Ed. has cost people in our part of the state jobs, cost students financial aid, and forced Illinois HS graduates to contemplate out of state colleges. 

    As far as VIT is concerned, no budget for 2016-17 will force the district to use $500K-$600K of our reserves.  At that rate, we can stay open for the entire school year - following years will be uncertain. Additionally, the draining of fund balances due to unforeseen and truly unbelievable governmental stalling and posturing will cause irreparable financial damage to our district. Such damage may lead to a sooner end of this district has you have known it since the late 1940's. 

    VIT is not alone in the negative consequences of financial uncertainty - all of our neighbors are feeling the same pressures - on a variety of levels. Our Board has been out in front of this fiasco for the last 12 months. I, and the Board, have the best interests of our students, staff, and communities at the forefront of our planning for this potential financial disaster. 

    If you are reading this, I hope you take a few minutes to read Mr. Willett's Letter to the Editor in the June 29th Argus. He hit the target - dead on. If you have the time or desire - CONTACT our local legislators and tell them enough is enough!

While my cup is half-full, the future is uncertain and the next 3 days in Springfield will shape our district's future.

Thank you for your continued support of VIT,

Mike Curry

Superintendent/Principal

VIT CUSD#2

Legislator Information:

Representative District #93

Official: Norine Hammond - Republican
Office: State Representative
Email: rephammond@macomb.com
Website: 
Contact Information: 

209-N Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-0416
Fax: 217-557-4530

331 N. Lafayette Street
P.O. Box 170
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309-836-2707
Fax: 309-836-2231

Senate District #47

Official: John M. Sullivan - Democrat
Office: State Senator
Email: 
Website: 
Contact Information: 

417C State Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-2479
Fax: 217-782-3088

926 Broadway
Suite 6
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: 217-222-2295
Fax: 217-222-2944

1601 West Jackson St.
Suite 105
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309-833-5526
Fax: 309-833-5687

New Paint

New paint going on. Ms. K, Brandi and Carol changing the walls to a light gray to go with the new look that is coming soon the VIT HS Library.

Summer Updates

VIT CUSD#2 Summer Update 2016

Great things are happening in our district over this summer break. We have added air-conditioning to all classrooms in both buildings. This addition will greatly improve the learning environment in the sweltering months of August, September, and May.  The elementary building is getting all new windows as part of the AC project. The current windows are original and in need of replacement.  The elementary school also received an electrical upgrade to ensure adequate power for the new efficient window AC units.

The Jr./Sr. High School library is getting a much needed facelift. The finished project will have an atmosphere of a university student collaboration setting. New carpet, a variety of furniture that is designed for a modern learning space, and fresh coats of paint will make the space an inviting digital learning space, as well as, a meeting place for both school-related and community-related groups.   

The high school will also continue to implement digital learning opportunities for our students. Through Federal E-Rate dollars, all classrooms will have individual network access-points. Increasing access-points will provide faster internet access for the teachers and students to use in the educational process.

The goal of these upgrades is to provide a positive learning environment for our students. We look forward to the return of our students in August and welcome parents and community members to visit our buildings to see the completed work in August.  For updates and pictures, check the district website (www.vit2.org) and Mr. Curry's blog (http://vit2edu.blogspot.com/). Have a great summer.

Library

Jr. Sr. High School Library Upgrade begins with a team effort of clearing it out. New paint and carpet soon. Stay tuned for updates.

"Rural educators are the greatest multi-taskers in Illinois" - Dr Purvis at #WITcon16

Sent from my iPhone

WITcon2016

Today should be another great day at WITcon2016. Illinois Education Secretary Beth Purvis is on hand for a morning Keynote.
Hope to hear about new trends and techniques from other west central Illinois educators!