Kimberly Ruble
May 15, 2008 06:44 pm
—
Although there were only seven school days left, the Decatur County School Board had quite a few items to discuss May 14.
The group began with the topic of a field trip. Endorsement of the event for the SOAR group, which included grades 6 through 8 to Kings Island on its annual Math & Science Day, was approved by all members.
A retirement letter was entered to the board from school psychologist Jack Countryman. He stated he wanted to leave after the next year was up, which was granted.
Various contracts for the schools were discussed. The only regular contract was for William Davis, who was seeking to be special education teacher for North Decatur high school for the next school year. There were also numerous individuals wanting to be considered for summer school classes, including Betsy Davis, NDHS, government; Pam Thackery, NDHS, English; Margaret Davis, NDHS, English; Edward Freeman, SDHS, math; Karen Hudson, SDHS, English and Ken Wendling, SDHS, physical education. All were in favor.
A report by the Grade Scale and Audit Study Objective Committee was submitted and Superintendent Dr. Dan Roach asked the board to review and possibly approve it. The motion was passed and changes will be implemented next year.
Numerous students were given special recognition by the board for their hard work on a group against drunken driving. The group, known as ‘The Power of One’ have spearheaded a number of functions, including a golf fund raiser planned for July 19. The students noted sponsors were still needed for the event.
Vice President Chris Owens showed his admiration for the work the students have done.
“That’s what we need more of, kids that will step up to the plate and get the word out there,” he said.
The board received a letter from the secretary of the South Decatur Youth Football program. She was “not asking for money,” but wanted to receive permission to allow the football program to erect a new equipment facility on SDHS’s property. The present shed is outdated, she said. The specific request was for a larger structure to replace the old one due not only to growth of the program, but also because of various rodent infestations. The motion was carried by all members.
Owens announced a presentation from Decatur County Rural Water was next on the agenda. Three individuals present informed the board they were in need more office space and were looking at purchasing the schools administrative building. They told the board they would like the building to be in the Greensburg area because it would be easier for the public to pay their respective water bills.
Roach informed the group more research would have to be done before a decision could be made.
Roach also suggested six contracts should not be renewed for certain teachers.
“(This) is not due to performance in any form whatsoever. It’s simply through the reduction in force process,” Roach said citin financial reasons.
He said the teachers could be brought back for various reasons in two years. All agreed on the decision.
A request to raise breakfast and lunch prices along with extra purchases of milk was entered. The motion carried.
The Character Education Objective Committee’s report was brought into the debate. Many different topics were on the report, such as respect, citizenship, caring, fairness, responsibility and trustworthiness. Also a stronger bullying policy may be implemented. Roach said the above mentioned characteristics were traits used throughout the school system and parents were to be informed as well so to give complete understanding. All were in favor.
Assistant Superintendent Connie Nobbe submitted a report of a list of needed new text books. New editions were asked for grammar, language, literature, journalism, speech, French and Spanish. The motion carried.
The board also disposed of 200 lunch trays, which will be donated to a local food bank,a red 1997 Dodge Van that had “died numerous times” and various items from SDES as well.
Various bids for re-servicing the asphalt pavement at both schools had been submitted to the board. There were four bidders to pick from, and the members decided to split the job two ways going with both Koors Contracting and Dave O’Mara. Koors’ cost equaled to $23,437 and O’Mara was $13,950. In total, the price equaled out to $37,387. Motion was approved by all but Mark Young who was opposed.
Commencement ceremony times were announced as well. They are planned for May 24. South Decatur’s will take place at 11 am and North Decatur’s will be at 2 pm.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.