Princeville administrators discuss IHSA classifications
By NICK VLAHOS
For The Weekly Post
PRINCEVILLE – Some Princeville School District administrators and board members don’t appear thrilled with how the Illinois High School Association is classifying its non-boundary members.
The current statewide controversy regarding the frequency of private schools winning IHSA championships was a topic of conversation when the Princeville board met Dec. 10. Superintendent Tony Shinall said it was the dominant discourse on a recent conference call with counterparts.
“There are lots of upset folks around the state talking about (it). It’s not a secret,” Shinall told the board.
Private schools won seven of the eight football state titles decided Thanksgiving weekend. In response to that and recent private-school state-trophy hauls in other sports, the IHSA announced it is abandoning its two-year enrollment-classification cycle in favor of a one-year cycle.
In theory, that move would mitigate larger schools competing against significantly smaller ones in state tournaments. But Princeville board Vice President Michael Harmon appears to believe the classification change alone isn’t sufficient. He referred to the private-school issue as a debacle.
“I think the shift everyone wants is for them to be in their own conference,” Harmon said.
In a statement issued last week, the IHSA said additional policy adjustments and/or by-law proposals might be forthcoming next year. Each IHSA member school has a vote regarding by-law proposals.
Shinall said he, High School Principal Rich Thole and Athletics Director Jeff Kratzer signed a letter to the IHSA that expressed their views.
“It’s not like we have some huge voice, but I think we should do whatever it is we can to apply whatever pressure is appropriate for us to apply,” Harmon said.
Earlier, the board approved the district’s new property-tax levy, which is $5,988,850. It’s an increase of 4.99% from the previous year, just under the 5% threshold that obligates the district to conduct a truth-in-taxation public hearing.
Avoiding a hearing might not be possible every year, Shinall suggested. Increased expenses is one reason. Another, according to the superintendent, is the proliferation of tax-increment-financing districts in Princeville. That restricts the school district’s share of growth in the assessed value of property.
“We’re doing our best to keep it in line,” Shinall said about the levy.
The board decided to continue to abate the district’s share of Peoria County Facility Sales Tax revenue, about $111,000. But Board President Darwin Stahl and Secretary Sue Hefler suggested the district review that policy, probably early next year.
Also approved was a $10,959 deal with Smith & Potter Equipment of Princeville for a Kawasaki Cheetah II lawnmower to be used at the high school.
Following closed session, the board authorized hiring Maggie Dwyer as high school sophomore volleyball coach. She had been freshman coach. Dwyer replaces Tracy Thole, who resigned.
Shinall announced another resignation, that of Kamryn Rahn as a daycare worker. Paraprofessional Yolanda Rodriguez is taking unpaid time off, and daycare worker Melinda Shimmin is taking a Family and Medical Leave of Absence.
