|
BOE briefed on renovation |
|
|
|
Tuesday, 24 June 2008 |
By KAY LOUTH
Staff Writer
NEW KNOXVILLE — The question of compensation topped the New Knoxville Board of Education meeting Monday night as board members entered into an executive session to discuss salaries for the top administrative positions.
When board members returned to regular session they announced the following raises: Elementary Principal Julie Willoughby, $2,520, bringing her salary up to $50,252. High School Principal Linda Tebbe, $2,866 bringing her salary up to $59,738. Treasurer Marcia Wierwille, $2,791 bringing her salary up to $ 58,181. Superintendent Kim Waterman, $4,032 bringing her salary up to $84,032 salary.
The signs of progress in the school’s construction project are evident. Ranger red lockers gleam against freshly painted walls, classrooms are being stocked with new furnishings and the big gym looks like a new venue with a white painted ceiling, newly painted floor and a spacious balcony that was carved out of the old music room.
Board member Todd Leffel told board members that they might be able to add construction items previously removed from the budget back into the project mix. The project’s contingency fund of approximately $318,000 may be available for use, which would allow for the inclusion of items such as additional security cameras or a 400 amp electrical feed for the gym.
“It (contingency fund) is our safety net for unexpected items,” Leffel said.
The district’s architects are putting together a list of items that have been pulled from the budget for board members to review and prioritize in importance and ease of addition.
Board member Stan Reineke also reported another bright spot in project costs as the asphalt and paving bid for the school’s lots came in at $215,000 — well under the initial estimated. Originally, board members had budgeted $260,000 for the job. The asphalt work is scheduled to start in July.
Superintendent Kim Waterman gave an update on the entire project and reported that the top floor is almost completed and she expects the district will get temporary occupation permission within two weeks. In the cafeteria, tables that were built into the walls have been removed. In the elementary office, outer office and book storage has been knocked down, while the walls of the concession stand have gone up.
The small gym will be completed this week except for the stage area and bleachers. She also reported the main floor is undergoing demolition and the technology area is already receiving new walls.
“Renovation is right on schedule,” Waterman told The Evening Leader.
School will start as scheduled on Sept. 8.
On the high school side of things, Principal Linda Tebbe reported receiving Ohio Graduation Tests results from the spring testing of sophomores.
Passage rates include: Reading — 95 percent; Writing — 98 percent; Mathematics — 90 percent; Science — 88 percent; Social Studies — 80 percent. The state requirement is 75 percent.
Board members also met the school’s new high school Social Studies teacher Terry Halko. Halko is a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and after graduating from Bowling Green State University, he spent a year as a substitute teacher in Columbus.
”I was really very eager to get back to the area,” Halko said. ”When I heard there was an opening here, I applied.”
Halko is also a veteran and spent a year in Baghdad with the St. Marys unit of the Ohio Army National Guard.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 27 June 2008 )
|
