Personnel, Bids Top R-6, Princeton Board Agendas

Personnel and transportation topped agendas of meetings this week of the Pleasant View R-6 and Princeton R-5 boards of education.
Pleasant View R-6
The Pleasant View R-6 Board of Education met on Tuesday, approving bids and taking action on personnel.
According to information provided by Superintendent Rebecca Steinhoff, the resignation of Shelby Glidewell as the ECSE paraprofessional was accepted and Michaela Simmer of Chillicothe was hired to replace her. Erin Ferguson of Trenton was hired as a part-time aide in the ECSE preschool.
Following completion of her evaluation, Mrs. Steinhoff’s contract was extended by one year to maintain her three-year contract. The board also approved an increase in the K-8 tuition for next year, with the cost raising to $1,200 per family.
The board accepted bids from AT&T to be the school’s telephone provider and Mid-States as the district’s Internet provider, both for the 2017-18 school year. The calendar for next year was discussed, with no action taken. Approved was a cooperative agreement to participate in track with the Laredo R-7 School.
There was discussion about splitting the third and fourth grade classes next year and how to add an additional classroom in the building. No action was taken. There was an update on water damage to the basement, with repairs to be done within the next month.
Mrs. Steinhoff reported on several items, with the district not being required to have an election in April with Jill Reeter and Damien Little filing for the two board vacancies. The Grundy County Health Department will hold a health screening for employees on Feb. 23. School will be dismissed early on Feb. 20 and the science fair is scheduled for Feb. 22.
The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14.
Princeton R-5
During Monday night’s meeting of the Princeton R-5 Board of Education, members tabled transportation bids until cost estimates can be determined if the district was to purchase and operate its own system.
According to information provided by Superintendent Jerry Girdner, the district received four bids for a three-year contract, including two from the same contractor which outlined different scenarios. The bids included $388,392 from Durham, if Princeton is the only school the company has in the region, as well as $248,491, if Durham maintains it current satellite schools. The district also received a bid from DS Bus Lines for $327,907 while Apple Bus Company submitted a bid of $236,972. Girdner told board members he anticipates the district seeing a cost savings if it were to operate its own transportation service. Information is to be provided to board members during a work session planned for Feb. 28.
Also to be looked at during the Feb. 28 work session will be the 2017-18 school budget. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the high school library.
Approval was given to a topographic survey of property located on the northwest part of the campus, which the district acquired in 2015. The board approved a proposal for inspection and asbestos removal for the existing band, maintenance and pre-kindergarten buildings. The board announced town hall meetings for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13 at the high school library during the regular monthly board meeting and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 at the elementary school to provide information about the no-tax increase proposal being placed on the April 4 ballot for school improvements.
Girdner updated the board on the average daily attendance situation, in which Princeton is at the 352.5 level. Districts with ADA numbers higher than 350 do not benefit from the small school grant provided by the state and lose their hold-harmless protection.
Proposals were presented on football uniforms and additional band uniforms. A member of the community has pledged $6,000 to assist with the football uniforms and other members of the community are also invited to sponsor a uniform for either football or band.
Girdner reported that the new HVAC units at the high school have shown an average cost savings of around $1,000 per month. The new HVAC damper system at the elementary school has improved the building’s temperature control. The projects were completed as part of the bond issue approved by voters last spring.
Information regarding playground incidents was shared, with 196 reported last school year. So far this year, only 69 incidents have been reported.
Principal reports were reviewed and announcements of upcoming events were given. The board also heard a report from Danny Shew about the school archery program.
Following an executive session, the board voted to extend the contracts of elementary principal Dana Seymour and high school principal Tamie Miller through the 2018-19 school year. Salaries are to be determined later. The board also approved the retirement of elementary secretary Becky Goodin.