By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – After reluctantly agreeing to provide tax breaks to Brandt Industries, Unit 5 is looking at ways the company could give back to the district.

Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel said during a meeting with Brandt executive Shaun Semple, he discussed the direct impact the tax breaks have on the school district.

“One of the things I did was talk to the president of the company, Shaun Semple, I said ‘Mr. Semple, this is a sacrifice we’re making as schools. How can you give back?’,” Daniel explained.

Daniel said Semple was open to the prospect of collaborating with Unit 5. Daniel noted Semple is willing to meet the district halfway, giving them back approximately half of the amount of the tax cuts in the form of in-kind donations.

“Of that $40,000 the first year, $20,000 in in-kind services will be returned,”said Daniel.

Daniel explained scholarships, internships, and programs to get students and teachers involved with Brandt are being considered. He also said the district is looking at ways to link Illinois State University and Heartland Community College with the agriculture firm.

Brandt plans to buy the Kongskilde plant between Normal and Hudson to make attachments for John Deere tractors.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].