The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Contract, itemized bills ratified by U-46 board vote

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 approved of a contract renewal with One Hope United at its Monday, Oct. 3 meeting.
  The vote was 6-0, board member John Devereux was absent.
  The contract will cost $357,500 which will be paid for through Illinois Preschool for All grant funds.
  “The Illinois State Board of Education Early Childhood Block Grant provides grant funds to collaborate with childcare centers in order to provide early childhood education in a facility that offers extended day childcare to families,” the proposal states. “U-46 does not offer extended day childcare within the district preschool programs.”  
  The proposal added: “U-46 subcontracts with One Hope United Elgin Child and Family Resource Center… to provide additional preschool slots within the childcare facility. The current maximum number of preschool slots is 90, based on a maximum number of 15 students per classroom. If permitted by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Restore Illinois Daycare Guidance, the number of slots may increase to a maximum number of 120. The subcontract pays for the salary and benefits of three teachers, three teacher assistants, facility expenses, and materials.”
  The contract provides for before and after school care for the families whose children receive those slots. The proposal states this will allow children to “experience continuous care and fewer transitions between programs.”
  Also approved 6-0 by the board were the terminations of two bus drivers, Brandon Carodine and Deanna Johnson. No details were provided.
  The board unanimously approved $7.2 million in itemized bills, $4.3 million coming from the education fund as the highest category.