Hoseltons honored by school board

Two successful wrestlers were acknowledged by members of the Prairie Central Board of Education Thursday evening.

Board president Mark Slagel read proclamations honoring Brandon and Drew Hoselton who each earned individual state wrestling championships – Brandon in the 195-pound weight class and Drew in the 170-pound class.

“We are proud of the hard work and dedication you showed in earning this,” said Slagel. “Your accomplishments will inspire and motivate young wrestlers for years to come.”

Also at Thursday’s regular meeting, the board granted permission for the high school music department to take another trip during the summer of 2019 to Disney World in Florida. Dates for the band and choir trip, which takes place every four years, still must be finalized.

“Most of the kids have been proactive in fundraising,” explained PCHS band director Eric Hall.

Hall said fundraisers are available for kids who need them. Also, the trip itinerary is the same as it has been for the last several trips. Students will have a choice this time to visit the beach or an extra park and the chaperones will be split up.

“It’s a neat experience,” said Slagel.

“The kids have a great time,” added Superintendent Paula Crane.

School security was discussed at length by the board. Crane talked about a table top emergency drill planned at the fire station involving local law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies. The exercise entails dealing with an active shooter situation. Crane said there are designated safe zones where students can escape to in the event of an actual emergency.

During her superintendent report, Crane noted the district is receiving general state aid payments. She also said some of the categorical money has been thrown in with general state aid and the district is waiting on three payments while two have been vouchered.

“Anything is nice,” Crane said.

Under old business, the board approved the bread bid for the 2018-19 school year along with fuel bids. Ken’s Oil Service was the low fuel bidder for the 25,000 gallons of bio-diesel. Meanwhile, Union Roofing was the low bidder for the Upper Elementary roof project in Forrest.

In new business, the group authorized a Junior High School student council trip April 20-21 involving 12 members visiting a state convention for IAJHSC at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield.

In other matters, the Prairie Central Board of Education:

-Approved the meal policy for all district student handbooks.

-Authorized changes to the Junior High student handbook.

-Set activity and registration fees for the 2018-19 school term.

-Approved the consent agenda.