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Thursday, 12 June 2008 |
By KAY LOUTH
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — St. Marys Board of Education members heard about school finances and approved legislation concerning the new school design during their regular meeting Wednesday night.
Treasurer Tom Sommer briefed board members about the district’s five year forecast, explaining the forecast is based on historical models and can be affected by the way the state handles funding issues.
“We do use a conservative approach when we do the forecast,” Sommer said, adding by June 30 the district will have a cash balance of $7.2 million.
However as the end of the five-year emergency levy approaches, Sommer said the district will go into deficit spending. Board members face continued discussion on the issue including whether or not to put the levy on the ballot. If they do, board members would have to decide the number of mills to request. Sommer said the levy generates $1.8 million a year.
Board members approved amendments to appropriations that Sommer said was to get the books in line for the end of the year. They also passed a measure approving temporary appropriations for fiscal year 2009.
The design phase of the construction project continues and board members approved the floor plan for the new six to 12 building and schematics for each of the renovation projects at East Elementary, West Elementary and the Dennings building.
“This is the next step — our design schematic approval,” Superintendent Ken Baker said.
Last month board members approved soliciting bids from firms to remodel the present District Service Center to house district level administrators such as the Superintendent and Treasurer.
At that time, Fanning Howey, the district’s architects for the school project, declined submitting a proposal. However officials at the firm have since indicated they would like to be considered for the project.
Board members approved an amendment to the present agreement with Fanning Howey to include design services for the service center pending successful negotiations on fees.
A three-year contract with bus drivers was approved Wednesday night, the terms of which are very similar to a contract agreement with the teachers, which was approved earlier this year.
Board members also approved extending the same terms as the teacher’s contract to non-union staff, excluding bus drivers. The third year salary increase built into the contracts and agreements is dependent on the district’s finances at the time.
Baker also informed board members that the district’s Adult Basic Literacy Education and General Education Diploma program was once again rated exemplary by the state and he commended the program’s director Sandy Henkener on her management of the program.
Business Manager Kurt Kuffner provided board members an update on the district’s permanent improvement plan.
This year, the plan includes the purchase of a new bus, technology upgrades, an emergency generator, sports equipment and repairs to the tennis court. A total of $273,300 is allocated for the plan and includes $100,000 for an unanticipated emergency set aside.
High School Principal Mike Makley told board members that he received the results of the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) for the sophomores and reported the sophomores passed the science portion.
Makley said that passage will move the school back to an excellent rating.
Students are tested on writing, math, social studies, science and reading. Following are the passage rates for the five subjects: reading — 84 percent; math — 84 percent; writing — 88 percent; science — 76 percent; social studies — 78 percent.
Board members moved into executive session to discuss personnel but took no action when they resumed the regular board meeting.
July’s board meeting is at 7:30 p.m. July 8 in council chambers at the city building. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 June 2008 )
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