Now that it's finances are stable, the Moline school district can focus on improving and adding programs for students. That was the message Monday night from Superintendent David Moyer, during his annual state of the schools address.
He says it took several years, but the deficit in the education fund, the district's largest, has finally been eliminated. That required cutting spending by more than 13 million dollars.
Doctor Moyer says the district is implementing a new teacher evaluation system. In addition, Moline students can enroll in dual-credit programs in health care and engineering, through Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University. And he's hoping to double the number of advance placement courses.
Another challenge, but a pleasant one he thinks, is the planning and re-organization stemming from the future closing of two small neighborhood schools, and the major addition now being built at Hamilton Elementary School - it should be finished by next fall.