(UNIT 40'S ERIN HARTKE SHARES ABOUT THE DISTRICT'S TENTATIVE PLANS)

Many educational institutions that serve Effingham County took part at the annual Kickoff to Education event sponsored by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.

The Friday morning gathering shared information on what the local schools have done to get ready for the new school year, but also want educational components have been added to make delivery of educational services better.

Beecher City school district student Elison Miller shared what physical improvements have been completed in their district, as well as educational accomplishments.

(ELISON MILLER)

Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson reviewed the physical expansions that have been completed, but also shared the district goal of proficiency in reading by the end of third grade. Jackson also shared that cooperation and teamwork between educators, local businesses and the Dieterich community is contributing toward "producing good citizens".

Effingham Unit 40 Marketing and Communication Specialist Erin Hartke shared that the school board would be considering a tentative facility plan at the August 19 meeting. Hartke also shared what the district is doing to boost its technology component.

Andrea Wright of Sacred Heart School shared the school's investment in music as a learning tool, as well as advancements in technology and outdoor facility improvements.

St. Anthony High School Principal Greg Fearday focused on the school's "sharing the love of Christ" and also shared the qualities of St. Anthony's high school and grade school staff. Fearday said he's seeing students start to "push back against the division we're seeing" in the nation. He also shared goals of creating good employees and good problem solvers.

(GREG FEARDAY)

Teutopolis Superintendent Matt Sturgeon focused on "today's high school experience". Recent THS graduate Tyler Pruemer spoke on his experiences in CEO and his business, Skyline Windows, and said that he would be back next summer to continue with the window clearning business. THS Industrial Arts teacher Jill Spour also shared about the school's Robot Studio.

(TYLER PRUEMER)

Denise Lee and Ethan Osborne of Eastern Illinois University discussed the university's goal of recruiting local students and various scholarships and other economic incentives for prospective learners.

Norma Lansing and Cassie Carpenter of Effingham Regional Career Academy discussed how the academy is growing and developing. 14 area school districts from six counties are getting involved in the endeavor, with 57 students from seven of those school districts planning to form the inaugural ERCA class. The plan is to offer the classes at Lake Land College's Effingham Technology Center. The courses will be dual credit between ERCA and Lake Land, and the goal is to offer the courses at no charge. ERCA is offering an informational meeting this Wednesday. 

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said the bids for revamping the former Patterson Technology Center into the Effingham Technology Center are to be reviewed at next week's Lake Land College Board of Trustees meeting. The facility will house the LLC courses that are now offered at the Kluthe Center, the ERCA courses, and the area still to be utilized by Patterson Technology in Effingham. Bullock also shared about Tech 2 Day, a program that will let students begin their tech journey at any point and work toward completion.