Panther Families,
As October arrives, we inch closer to the end of the 1st Quarter of the school year. Parent-Teacher Conference time is here and we recently had an amazing Homecoming week. It’s always great to see Alumni return and the excitement in our community. And, as always, we have a lot to celebrate!
CONGRATULATIONS to our Boys’ Golf Team on qualifying for the IHSA State Finals! This is the program’s first Sectional Championship and first time qualifying for state as a team since 1997 and 1998. They have also won 3 consecutive Regional Championships! All of our golfers had an outstanding Sectional with Brycen Umstattd leading the way with a 2nd place individual finish. Congratulations as well to Khloe Builta and Abby Lyons for advancing to the individual Sectional tournament!
Elementary students have completed Fall Academic Benchmarking, and are focused on positive leadership and respect. There is a buzz of excitement throughout the building, particularly around the ROAR program
Junior High Softball State Qualifiers
Junior High Baseball Regional Champs
Junior High preparing for Fall Musical “Flat Stanley” October 18 (7:00pm) and 19 (2:00pm)
High School Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Scholarship nominees - Molly Scheuer (SAR) and Isaiah Schertz (DAR)
High School Volleyball has the best start in program history (17-4 at time of publishing)
Our Student Achievement
Student Achievement can be defined and described in many ways. Defining it in LeRoy centers around individual opportunity for learning and associated outcomes. While that includes academic growth and achievement, it also includes involvement in co- and extra- curricular activities, college and career readiness opportunities, clubs and organizations, service learning, work outside of school, and much more.
Profile of Graduate
24 students taking college dual credit courses
35 students attending the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA)
Multiple students participating in Career Internships and Field Experiences
85% of our students are involved in at least one co- or extra-curricular opportunity at school
95% of our students are involved in at least one opportunity when outside activities are included
Work, youth group, volunteering, scouts, athletics not offered at school, etc.
Academic - Spring 2024-25
Elementary Star Reading: Higher than normal growth, Higher than normal achievement
Elementary Star Math: Normal growth, Higher than normal achievement
Junior High Star Reading: Higher than normal growth, Higher than normal achievement
Junior High Star Math: Higher than normal growth, Higher than normal achievement
When comparing the same group of students year over year, over the course of three years of Star Assessment all groups showed improved achievement in both Reading and Math
High School ACT Composite Mean: 19.9 compared to national average of 19.4
High School ACT Subject Means: Reading 20, English 19.9, Math 19.6, Science 19.5
78% - 10 year average enrollment in college within 2 years of HS Graduation
87% - 10 year average Freshman to Sophomore College Persistence (return after freshman year)
Our Facilities
The first major project funded through CSFT revenue will be the abatement of existing asbestos tile hallway flooring in part of the elementary school, with all hallway flooring replaced by new LVT tile. Planning for this project is underway, with work anticipated for the summer of 2026. Our Long-Term Facility Plan will continue to be updated on our CSFT Dashboard on the district website.
We are also in the process of estimating and determining additional spring and summer projects including security camera upgrades, replacement of elementary locker room sinks, high school furniture upgrades, sanding/painting/resealing Dud Berry Gym floor, track surface maintenance, and weight room upgrade. Security camera upgrades are a part of our regular allocation of CSFT money. The remaining items are planned to be completed through use of Health/Life/Safety funds and Operation & Maintenance funds.
Our Community Relations
LeRoy Panther Fan Shop is OPEN! The store closes Friday, October 17 - don’t miss out!
We are excited to partner with Den Graphix to bring you fresh LeRoy Panther apparel.
It’s Different Here apparel
Kids sizes
Hats
Jackets
And more!
Order online today: LeRoy Panther Fan Shop
Our Finance
We are in the planning process for the FY2027 Tax Levy. As you know, the county continues to see unprecedented property value growth. We made a commitment through the County School Facility Tax (CSFT) process to use 1/3 of the revenue to lower the property tax rate, which is estimated to be $257,200. That amount will go toward paying Bond & Interest, in turn, lowering our Bond & Interest tax rate. As a school district, we have a responsibility to provide quality services for our students while also being good stewards of our taxpayer (investors in our schools) dollars. While property values continue to increase, we have been able to keep our tax rate flat and were even able to decrease it this past year. This year, we will be able to lower our tax rate to the lowest level in 25 years.
Jeff Baughman
Superintendent
Go Panthers!
Key Upcoming Dates
October 10 & 13
No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences & Columbus Day
October 17
End of 1st Quarter
November 26-28
No School - Thanksgiving Break
Involved Community - Competitive Students - Productive Citizens