CLINTON — Clinton School Superintendent Curt Nettles said Wednesday, while the school district would benefit financially from the tax revenues (an estimated $21 million) if the wind farm project were approved, he and members of the school board are staying “neutral” on the project.

“It’s not our fight,” said Nettles. “We’re not banking on (the money) or planning on it.”

Nettles also said he was “encouraged” by newly-elected Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s inauguration speech, adding Pritzker “sounds education-friendly.”

During Tuesday night’s board meeting, Nettles explained Illinois used to require five hours of instruction time for the day to be considered a full school day, however, “with evidence-based learning, right now there is no minimum. As long as the kids are engaged, it’s considered a school day.”

Nettles said the new law “can provide flexibility on bad weather days” with online learning options. However, he added that the district has no plans to make any changes at this time.

Also discussed at the meeting was the need for more resource help at the junior high school. 

Nettles said struggling students need more intervention time “but we don’t have the manpower.” He asked the board consider hiring an intervention strategist to help and who could also teach others how to help. Nettles anticipates the board will vote on this at its February meeting.

In other business, the board:

• Confirmed Clinton High School’s graduation date will be Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. 

• Approved the employment of Sharon Clawson and April Harvey as aides at Clinton Elementary School, effective immediately.