Jul 3, 2008

Budget considerations for the 2008-09 school year were the main focus of the Ava R-I School Board last Thursday evening, as Dr. Andy Underwood, superintendent, reviewed budget numbers with the board and provided a summary of the school's financial status for the ensuing year. Budget categories approved by the board included salary increases for personnel and teaching staff. Board members also adopted an amendment to the 2007-08 budget, approving a transfer of $920,278.16 to cover expenses associated with the performing arts / storm shelter building project. The adjustment balanced end-of-year numbers and brought Fund 4 into compliance. According to Underwood, the 2008-09 school budget has been impacted by a number of economic factors; however, cost increases in gasoline, health insurance and utilities were the most notable mentioned Thursday evening. For example, Dr. Underwood stated an additional $100,000 sum had been added to cover expenses associated with the Sho-Me Power rate increase. Updating the board on funding, Underwood stated the current rate of student attendance will garner $180,000 in state funding for the ensuing school year. Included in the 2008-09 budget was a two-percent increase to the base level on the salary schedule, a decision which adds an additional $50,000 to salary expenses. The board also added one step to the schedule, a factor which costs an additional $100,000. Underwood said medical/health insurance costs had increased 12 percent, with the school opting to cover more of the expense adding an additional $83,000 in costs. Several hiring decisions were made during closed session, along with the acceptance of a resignation from Brandy Swofford, special education teacher in the elementary. Swofford has accepted a position with Springfield Public Schools. Brett Mitchell, who was hired as middle school health instructor and high school driver's education, has agreed to serve as assistant in high school football, and high school track. Laurie Macy was employed as high school special education teacher, and Buffy Strong as 7th grade science teacher. The board also voted to grant a diploma to Corey Merrifield, a student who has been attending the Northwestern State Scholars Academy in Maryville these past two years. Curriculums for communication arts and math were accepted as presented. Both programs had been reviewed during a previous board session. Elementary handbook policies were also okayed; however, a new time schedule was noted for fall. In the elementary building, classes will convene each school day at 8:15 a.m. (instead of 8:20 a.m.), and students will be dismissed at 3:10 and 3:13 p.m. No other changes were mentioned. Principal Diana Premer reported summer school has progressed well with approximately 247 students participating on the day showing the highest attendance. A walking trail has been completed on the third- and fourth-grade playground areas. On muddy days when the playground is not available, the trail will be used as an exercise venue for students. Premer reported kindergarten and preschool screenings were held May 9-10, with 60 preschoolers (3-4 year olds), and 78 kindergarten age children participating in the process. Premer said there were 46 openings in the preschool program, and generally, 100 kindergarten students start school in August. Principal Brad Plackemeier said summer session had provided 138 students an opportunity to enroll in a host of classes, such as Family and Consumer Science Camp; Course Completion; Healthy Happy Days of Summer; Fly High with the Community, Health and Adventure: and Rails, Fishing Pails, and African Tales. Principal Teresa Nash said 149 students had enrolled for summer credit, and this summer the following classes were offered: math recovery; boys team sport; weightlifting; Art One / advanced art; personal finance; reading / writing; girls team sport; alternative school, and driver's education. Board members made a commitment to review the facility naming policy, a request placed before the board by Kent Stamper and Gary Devore, of Ava. Stamper and Devore asked the board to name the high school football field in memory of Dr. C.E. Harlan. Their plea recognized Dr. Harlan as a devoted sports enthusiast who was on-site at each and every game for many years. No action was taken Thursday evening; however, it was noted the topic would be discussed and considered at a future meeting. The board agreed to abide by the 2008-09 core assurances as listed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This action commits the board to comply by law, agree to spend budget dollars as designated, and maintain appropriate records for three years. An increase to student breakfast and lunch fees was approved for next year. In the elementary, lunch charges were increased from $1.10 to $1.35, and in middle/high school from $1.25 to $150. Breakfast costs will be $1.00, an increase of 15¢. Two Ava bus drivers attended the meeting and requested board members reconsider a change made to the fuel price structure for the ensuing year. The bus drivers noted specific details about the proposed contract price, and how using the fuel cost structure from last year would be considered fair, as well as the best formula for the year ahead. After a brief discussion about fuel prices and formula concepts, the board concurred with the request, and approved bus contracts. Each year board members sign-up as participants in school district committees, last Thursday evening designations were established as follows: Randy Spurlock – professional development; A+ advisory; technology. Don Scrivner – attendance; calendar; and CSIP. Rick Ritter – career ladder; and middle school handbook. Bill Philpott – CSIP; vocational business. Randy Ross – elementary hand-book; Vo-Ag. Judy Lovan – guidance coun-seling; insurance; and salary. Jeff Davis – high school handbook; and Title I. School board members present for the meeting were Randy Ross, Randy Spurlock, Don Scrivner, Jeff Davis and Bill Philpott. Judy Lovan and Rick Ritter were absent. The next meeting of the board is Thursday, July 22, 6:30 p.m. in the administration building.