Belleville Public School District 118 school board members approved just over $400,000 in building repairs for Washington School on South Charles Street during its meeting Tuesday night.

School board member Gary Lawrence who recently toured the school said, "it really needs to be repaired."

Washington School, which houses about 240 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students, is in need of a new roof, new windows on the first floor and a new door in the front, according to Assistant Superintendent Ryan Boike. In addition, the patio in the front will be repaired.

Boike explained district officials had hoped to receive an early childhood construction grant, which would have provided the necessary funds to construct a new building. However, he said the district did not receive the grant and must move forward with repairs at Washington School -- one of the oldest school buildings in the district.

"All of these needed repairs will enhance the building," Boike said.

The district plans to cover three-fourths of the $412,000 cost with funds from Health, Life and Safety, according to Boike. The remaining one-fourth will be paid for with the district's working cash fund.

If the use of Health, Life and Safety funds is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, Boike said the building repairs at Washington School are expected to be completed this summer.

The board also approved a computer/lease purchase agreement with Lenovo on Tuesday night for 260 new computers to be distributed to schools throughout the district. The new equipment will replace aging computers, Boike said, that are five years old.

The cost of just under $150,000 will be covered using a portion of the property tax levy.

Superintendent Matt Klosterman informed board members the State of Illinois currently owes the district $1.4 million, and the state legislature hasn't made much movement on education-related matters.

"Pension reform continues to be a big topic," he said, "but we haven't heard much in regards to movement."

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.

Contact reporter Jamie Forsythe at 239-2562 or jforsythe1@bnd.com.