Perfect state audit, volleyball coach resigns
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By Nolan Morse
Arcola Community Unit School District earned a perfect 4 out of 4 rating on its annual state audit, while the School Board also accepted the resignation of longtime high school volleyball coach Lauren Hamilton during its Wednesday night meeting.
Auditor Russ Leigh presented what he described as a “very clean audit with no issues,” noting the district finished the 2025 fiscal year in strong financial condition.
According to Leigh, Arcola reduced total expenses by approximately $400,000 compared to the previous year, lowering expenditures from $8.5 million in fiscal year 2024 to $8.1 million in 2025.
The district’s cost per pupil also declined slightly, from $15,780 to $15,770. Leigh said the decrease was unusual, as many comparable school districts have seen significant increases in per-student costs.
Arcola ended the fiscal year with revenues exceeding expenses by $568,000, earning the district placement on the Illinois State Board of Education’s recognition list.
Looking ahead, Leigh warned the state of Illinois could face a projected $1.5 million shortfall tied to obligations in the Teachers’ Retirement System and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. The shortfalls are expected to affect districts statewide.
Leigh said the state may allow local taxing bodies to help cover the deficit, but added that Arcola’s strong financial position should limit the impact on the district.
Elementary School Principal Marissa Brewer told the Board that a small group of representatives will visit two school districts as part of the search for a new elementary English curriculum to be implemented in the 2026–27 school year. The options have been narrowed to two programs, with a presentation scheduled for February outlining the strengths and weaknesses of each.
The Board also discussed plans to create a Kindergarten “pull-out” class aimed at nonverbal and developmentally challenged students. The class would provide targeted instruction focused on vocabulary development and speech skills.
In other business, the Board accepted the resignation of Lauren Hamilton, who has served as Arcola High School’s volleyball coach since 2020. Board members discussed posting the coaching vacancy.
The Board also approved a proposed 2027 student trip to Walt Disney World.