Byron Board aware of possible teacher decisions

By Chris Johnson

News Correspondent

Certain conditions must be met before a strike involving certain taxpayer-supported employees can occur. Part of the process is organization. Another part of the process is notification of intent. Situations can appear where the possibility of a stoppage of work is a reality. Steps are taken on many occasions in an attempt to assure that things can go on as usual.

Students within the Byron School District have watched as they followed how things were developing between their teachers and the people who helped make sure their salaries were paid. They overheard different pieces of information along the way. The process has been a focus for many. In late November a parade of support with signs requesting a proper deal were shared. The students have continued to watch.

Through the process however, there hasn’t been a recordable drop-off of student growth and development. In a recent release on State PARCC Assessments, Byron finished near the top again this year. Last year they had the best results in the area, by a large margin over this year’s champion Pecatonica. There was no drop off. The Byron School District has kept focus on assuring the needed steps are taken. Regular business continues for them as well. Members of the Byron Board of Education met on Monday, Dec. 20 to host public comments on a Property Tax Levy Increase.

According to information made available, the proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2016 are $24,605,000. It is a 15.1% increase over the previous year. The action followed information on the corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2015 in the amount of $21,381.118.06.

The Board finalized the evening’s action with a report on what the final numbers would be when it comes to how much tax revenue will actually end up being available for use, if it achieves what it requests.

The numbers highlighted the estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2016 at $28,214.014. It is a 13.2% increase over the previous year and facilitated the need for the public hearing and permissible timed comment from the taxpaying public. All action was initiated prior to the final date of State allowance, Tuesday, Dec. 27.

The Byron Board of Education meets next on Monday, Jan. 26, 2017 at 7 p.m. Additional meeting dates and times are available for citizen access on the school district’s website, byron226.org.