The Ashley School Board of Education met Monday night and they had a busy agenda.  Superintendent Brian Hodge says they approved the tax levy increase after a truth in taxation hearing.  The increase is 6.4 percent, which is approximately $32,000.  They approved the resolution on supporting the Kaskaskia College Nashville extension expansion to a new building.  The Board is working towards increasing the math scores, which were low on the school’s report card, according to Hodge.  They are getting a 1-year subscription to Common Core Learning Materials, a web-based program for 1^st through 8^th graders.  The 1-year subscription will cost $1,274.  They also approved the purchase of Pee-Wee basketball uniforms, which was purchased with money from fundraisers.  The Board then looked at applying for a couple of grants.  There are some things that need to be addressed from the 10-year Health –Life Safety Survey report, and so the Board agreed to apply for a maintenance grant in the amount of $25,000, which is a matching grant, so the school will need to pay for part of the projects.  They feel the custodial staff can take care of these issues.  They did not agree to apply for an energy efficiency grant, which would be a matching grant as well, but the school does not have funds to pay for their part.  The Board approved 7^th & 8^th graders to participate in the R.O.E. Team Qwest Competition at Kaskaskia College in late January.  They also approved Christmas gifts to all staff.  The audit report came back and it was a good, clean audit.  They also approved Christy Pelka as volunteer assistant volleyball coach, pending a background check.  In announcements, the Christmas Program will be on Wednesday, December 18^th at 1 PM.  There will be a blood drive on Wednesday, December 11^th from 1 to 5 PM at the school.