The Grundy R-5 Board of Education reduced the number of bus routes to three, accepted a resignation and hired two instructors during a meeting held Thursday evening.
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According to Superintendent Rob Deaver, the district has been running four bus routes for the past few years, but with the continued decline in student enrollment and the loss of revenues associated with that, the rising cost of bus fuel, bus lease and drivers’ salary and benefits, the board approved the reduction in routes to three beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.
Board members approved a three-year extension to its bus contract with Hill Transportation, which will provide the district with its buses for its routes, vo-tech route and activity trips, as well as with the majority of the district’s drivers. The district provides one of its own drivers and fuel for all of the buses. Also approved were program evaluations in the areas of Title IV-A and Title V. Teacher reports were heard in the area of junior-senior high communication arts.
The board accepted the resignation of the junior-senior high school science instructor, Tim Marsh, who has accepted a position with the Chillicothe School District. The position will be filled using existing staff.
In other business, updates were given on repairs to the walk-in freezer at the high school and the board approved a new mixer for the elementary kitchen. A bid for bread for the 2008-2009 school year was accepted from Doug’s Market of Galt and the board approved Assurance Statements for Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.
Elementary Principal Lisa Fairley reported that the attendance rate for the year was 95.9 percent. Four students were recognized for perfect attendance, including Tanner Clem, Dustin Smiley, Bryson Gann and Victor Barriga. The fourth quarter honor roll students were also recognized and a report was given on year-end activities, as well as on the completion of summer school, which had a total of 66 students enrolled.
High School Principal Randy Huffman reported that attendance at his building was 94.92 for the year. Bryce Rains and Brian Callihan had perfect attendance for the year and Ty Francis was recognized for being selected as Grand River Technical School Student of the Quarter for the fourth quarter. The board also approved several changes to the student handbook.
Following an executive session, the board hired Sarah Jackson of Trenton to teach Title I and Reading Recovery for the 2008-2009 school year. Mrs. Jackson has been an instructor with the Harrison County R-4 School District for the past six years. The board also hired Melody Prescott of Jamesport to be the junior-senior high school special education instructor for the 2008-2009 school year. This will be her first teaching position.
The board set a special meeting for 5 p.m. June 23 to amend the current budget and approve the 2008-2009 budget. The meeting will be held at the high school. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 10.