The Grundy R-5 Board of Education discussed the district?s financial situation, approved an increase in tuition, accepted resignations and offered contracts during a meeting held Monday night at the school in Galt.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
he Grundy R-5 Board of Education discussed the district?s financial situation, approved an increase in tuition, accepted resignations and offered contracts during a meeting held Monday night at the school in Galt.
Superintendent Paul Huey said the board met with John Jones of the Missouri State Teachers Association, who noted that each student who attends R-5 generates $6,512 in state aid. Jones also said the district will receive about $38,500 from the release of funds previously withheld from state funding and presented information on the philosophy behind the development of a district budget.
Cora Hollon, representing the CTA, questioned the board on the progress of employee health insurance and was told that the district is still looking into it. In addition, she questioned the board about summer school and cuts made in November, which were addressed later in the meeting.
Elementary Principal Lisa Fairley gave the elementary report, noting that 105 students are enrolled, while High School Principal Shawn Schultz reported that enrollment at the high school building is at 97, with an average attendance last month of 89.75. Average attendance for the year at that building is 93.82 percent.
Information was provided on the senior trip, with the consequences of rule infractions set. Board members agreed to hold the students? diplomas since the trip will take place after graduation and community service will likely be a punishment for a student who breaks the rules on the trip.
Guidance Counselor Becky Walker presented a tentative schedule for the 2004-2005 school year. The schedule is an eight-block schedule, as is currently in use.
In other business, board members set the tuition for the 2004-2005 school year at $5,300 for high school, an increase from $4,700 this year, and $4,000 at the elementary school, an increase from $3,700 this year. The school calendar was also approved, with 175 days included. Lawrence E. Smith and Associates was awarded the student insurance bid.
Summer school was discussed, with no definite numbers for students or teachers available yet. Huey said that two summer school sessions should bring in about $29,000 to $30,000 in revenues over expenditures.
Amy Axtell presented a report on the A-Plus Program and the board voted to continue the program for the coming year.
The board formally accepted the resignations of Kim Oaks, a board member; Janara Sims, an elementary music and Title I instructor; and Rob Deaver, currently a science instructor in the district. Deaver, a tenured teacher, had been notified in November that his position would be eliminated due to a Reduction in Force, however, Huey said that he was offered a position after it was learned that he had an additional certification that would have allowed him to ?bump? a non-tenured teacher. Deaver has already signed a contract to serve as superintendent at the Pleasant View R-6 School.
The board agreed to advertise for persons who are interested in filling Mrs. Oaks? unexpired term on the board. They are asked to contact Huey to indicate their interest in the position. The board will appoint a patron to fill the term.
Board President Darren Buckner presented information on the ?No Child Left Behind? educational forum to be held in Milan. Buckner, board member Dennis McDonald and Huey plan to attend the meeting.
Huey gave an update on the district?s financial condition, noting the district?s fund balance is $94,064.20 less than this time last year.
During an executive session, the board met with Susan Brown, secretary at the high school, who discussed the elimination of the building principal position at the high school. No action was taken. Huey said Schultz has indicated he will not return to the district when his contract expires June 30. When the board announced budget cuts in November, it was agreed that one of the two principals would not return, with administrative duties to be divided among the remaining principal and the superintendent.
A contract was offered to Janice Osborn, who will serve as part-time librarian/part-time instructor, teaching social studies and art classes. Mrs. Osborn had been included in the Reduction in Force approved in November.
A contract was offered to Alison Booth as music instructor. During a meeting held earlier this month, a contract had been offered to Alexis Rauer, who did not accept the offer.
Extra duty contracts were also offered to the following persons, with Huey noting that they have not been accepted: Amy Axtell, Future Business Leaders of America, Hi-Step and yearbook; Amy Botts, two-week extended contract for special education; Tinna Croy, junior high cheerleading; Kim Foster, two-week extended contract for special education; Phil Fox, science sponsor, FFA sponsor and the summer agriculture program; Cora Hollon, prom sponsor; Linda Milligan, prom sponsor; Bob Shipley, junior class sponsor, high school quiz bowl, junior high quiz bowl and part-time senior sponsor; Becky Walker, one-month contract extension as guidance counselor; and Les Jackson, who will be offered a $6,400 stipend to serve as head coach for boys and girls softball, boys and girls basketball and track (with the track costs reimbursed by the Booster Club). Huey said the board plans to create an assistant coach position although that person has not been identified.
Huey said a contract was not offered to Tammy Spickard as her position of math/physical education/health instructor will be absorbed by current staff members, most likely Jackson and Mrs. Hollon.
The board is scheduled to meet again May 17.