© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Various Bonds and Loans Available for School Safety Projects

Images
Brad Palmer, WSIU Radio
First Midstate's Kevin Wills (standing) talks to school leaders about funding options during a Lunch and Learn in Marion on April 26, 2018.

A trio of southern Illinois school districts this week learned about how to fund school safety improvements.

Administrators from Vienna District 55, North Wayne District 200 in Cisne and Norris City-Omaha-Enfield District 3 heard about various bond and loan options.
North Wayne District superintendent David Reavis says his school board members are ready to make a move.

"As of right now, we are revamping our entire security system. We've got a security company coming in, new cameras, new security doors, everything else."

NCOE superintendent Matt Vollman says school districts are under pressure - and rightfully so - to make sure their buildings are safe places to learn.

"We don't want to go skimpy on what we're doing with our safety. So, yeah, we are obligated to spend some money and make sure that our kids are as safe as can be when they come to school."

Kevin Wills with First Midstate Incorporated made the presentation.

He says the rash of school shootings in recent years makes this a crucial issue. He says it's a delicate balancing act for schools. The key is transparency.

"It requires a lot of just conversation in public, at meetings to educate folks on, 'hey, here are our options, right? Hey, here's what we need to do. Here's what's being suggested to us to do. Here's what's it's going to cost. Are you ok if we pass that on to the taxpayers?'"

Wills says his firm works with over 20 school districts from Mt. Vernon south on their school safety funding issues.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.