Homeowners in Highland School District will pay less in property taxes next year
Taxpayers in the Highland School District service area will pay less in personal property taxes after the school board voted to lower the district’s rate last week.
Highland School District approved its annual tax levy Monday, Nov. 26, lowering the district tax rate by roughly 1.14 percent based on an expected 1.5 percent increase in equalized assessed valuation.
Homeowners will see decreases in their property taxes due to the new tax rate and 4.25 percent levy set by the school board.
The following are the amounts homeowners will save on property taxes based on the school’s:
Homeowners with homes worth $75,000 will pay $13.86 less
Homeowners with homes worth $150,000 will pay $27.71 less
Homeowners with homes worth $225,000 will pay $41.56 less
Homeowners with homes worth $300,000 will pay $55.42 less
The school district reaches into Madison, Bond and Montgomery counties.
During the meeting, Superintendent Mike Sutton also gave an update on strategic planning in the school district and submitted an early list of individuals he believes would be good additions to the many committees the district plans to form for planning.
The committees will focus on attracting and retaining highly qualified faculty and staff, facilities, fiscal needs and responsibility, curriculum, communications and technology.
Sutton asked the board members to think of more individuals who would bring different perspectives to the committees.
Other Board Action
The school board approved an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Southwest Illinois College for the Running Start Program, a program allowing students at the high school to attend the college full-time as a high school student.
Also approved was a memorandum with Centerstone to work with district students and decreasing the workload on in-district social workers and a Highland Middle School’s membership to the Illinois Elementary School Association.
Additionally, an update on student attendance at the Collinsville Area Vocation Center was given by Sutton, discussion on reinstating programs and installing extra security cameras to thwart drivers who ignore signals at bus stops.
The board recognized several groups and teams on their success this semester at the meeting as well.
The following were recognized:
The Platinum Chef culinary team of Calvin Parsons, Megan Kronk, Alexis Banks,
Jordan Ames, Hailey Niebrugge, Avery Wasser, and Brytani Powell on their 3rd place
overall win in the cooking competition. They beat huge schools such as Belleville
East and West, Alton, and O’Fallon to bring home the plaque. They also received the
Best Dessert plaque for their Layered Salted Carmel Apple Cinnamon Cake.The HHS volleyball team for their regional championship over Jerseyville.
The HHS girls cross country team for qualifying for the state meet for only the 6th
time in 40 years of Highland High School Girls’ Cross Country. The team of Kate
Marti, Sam Hengehold, Jessica Borror, Julia Loeh, Grace Meyer, Paige Schaible,
Damaris Tambla, Faith Brindley, Lydia Hadowsky, Danielle Little, Britin Machuca,
and manager Mackenzie Nigh will be heading to Peoria. The girls finished 3rd overall
in the sectional behind a terrific 10th place finish by medal-winner, Jessica Borror.Nick Hanratty on his cross-country race. Nick finished his outstanding season at
sectionals with a 55th place finish.The girls’ tennis team who made it to State – Taylor Flemming – singles; Kate
Feldmann – singles; and Ashley Basden and Ashlynn Deluca in doubles.The HHS math team on their performance at the final Southwest Math Contest.
Emilie Hoepker and Grant Brinker earned 2nd place individual medals, while Jon
Saathoff and Summer Carroll earned 3rd place medals. The team of Hannah Jansen,
Sylvie Carroll, Grant Brinker, and Nicole Bluhm took home a 2nd place award.
Additionally, the team took home a 2nd place team trophy for their cumulative performance throughout the fall.The HHS girls’ cross country team for their 21st place finish at the IHSA state cross
country meet on Saturday.Tori Lynn, HHS Senior, for being accepted into the American Choral Directors
Association National Honors Choir. This is a tremendous honor and accomplishment
as choir selections are made nationwide from high school and college auditions across
the country. Acceptance to his choir is considered a step beyond making all-state.The HHS boys’ bowling team for their 2nd place finish at the Collinsville tournament
in the bronze division. Congratulations to Austin Roach who placed 23rd and Steven
Reinacher who placed 17th.
The school board’s next meeting is Monday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. in the district’s Administrative Center.