1 Front
Single Copy Cost 50¢ Volume 148 No. 39
PCR photo/Dave Cook
“PRSRT STD.” US Postage Paid No. 486 SHAW MEDIA POSTAL PATRON LOCAL R.R. BOXHOLDER CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
“They need to move us forward with a real effort. Members of both parties need to come together and not allow the leaders to dictate what happens with education funding.” Dan Marenda
LaSalle Elementary Superintendent Dan Marenda
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Hall High School Superintendent Mike Struna
“We’ve been spending less money every year since 2010, and we can’t cut expenses fast enough to keep up with reductions.” Mike Struna
“It’s difficult to change an education funding formula, but it’s incredibly important that when it’s done, it’s done correctly.” Sue Rezin
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Sen. Sue Rezin
Rauner/Madigan vs. Illinois children Superintendents and politicians call for compromise at IVCC meeting By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
OGLESBY — “There are people getting hurt. Both parties need to come together and stand up to Gov. Rauner and Mike Madigan and make a state-
ment. It boils down to two people and we all know it,” said Princeton Elementary Superintendent Tim Smith during the press conference held at IVCC on Monday, May 16. Area superintendents and politicians gathered
to bring attention to the effects of poor education funding and the impact of the two-man political fight in Springfield that’s well into its’ 10th round. Superintendents from DeKalb, Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and LaSalle coun-
ties used the event to outline the long- and shortterm damage being done to area schools, students and families by the partisan stand-off and the continually decreasing funding for education. The problems listed
included inadequate funding caused by an outdated funding formula; an over-reliance on property tax; the pro-rationing of general state aid; federal fund reductions; the loss of several grant programs; the high percentage of funds
used for pensions; there still being no budget; and the public battle between Rauner and Madigan. LaSalle Elementary Superintendent Dan Marenda said, “They need to
Compromise Page 4
Time for a decision Granville needs a truck
By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
In the blink of an eye
PCR photo/Dave Cook
High school is now a memory for the newest graduates of Putnam County High School. Graduates, family, friends and faculty gathered on the evening of May 20 to celebrate the Class of 2016 and their achievements. During the ceremonies there were bittersweet tears, laughter, the sharing of hopes and dreams — and words of advice for the students setting off on their new journeys.
GRANVILLE — There was plenty to discuss and several decisions to be made during the Granville Village Board meeting on Tuesday, May 17. Mike Richetta of Chamlin and Associates began with a report on the McCoy Street project that had finally gotten underway. A new culvert has been installed and the railroad is replacing the ties and rails. They are also extending the ties in order to accommodate a sidewalk which will be added between the BP gas station and Al Cioni Ford. The cost of the sidewalk is estimated to be approximately $2,000.
Richetta then reported on damage, most likely storm related, at the entry point to the storm system at the waste water plant. A new grate will be fabricated and installed after water levels drop to the necessary levels. Richetta also explained that so much storm water is being directed into the system that it’s overwhelming it. “My first recommended improvement is to install flow monitors at different points to find areas of greatest inflow. Then we can identify ways to improve those areas. That way we will get the most improvement for the money spent,” Richetta said.
Truck Page 3
An emotional farewell
Putnam County School Board thanks retiring teachers and administrators By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
GRANVILLE — Tears and emotional farewells aren’t typical aspects of school Vol. 148 No. 39 One Section - 16 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
board meetings, but there were plenty of heartfelt and genuine expressions of gratitude at the Putnam County School Board meeting on May 16, as the district hon-
ored the retirement of seven staff members. Superintendent Jay McCracken spoke fondly of and shared his memories of time spent with Diane
Holmbeck, Rebecca Johnson, Jane Lenkaitis, Debbie Shevokas, Ed Swingel and Bob Peterson. Each was presented a blown glass apple mounted on an engraved
base and thanked for their dedication and devotion to the children of Putnam County. After the presentations to the other retirees were fin-
ished and before they took their seats, board member Vicky Nauman rose and presented McCracken with his own apple.
Farewell Page 4
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