Staff writer
Several Centre High School athletes will be joining Marion High School athletes for the spring baseball season.
The board of education approved Monday a cooperative program with Marion for the 2014-15 school year. The Marion board approved the agreement two months ago.
The action came after Superintendent Brian Smith submitted an estimated cost analysis.
Centre will be responsible for 37 percent of the coach’s salary, a cost of $1,406. Centre players will use Marion uniforms and equipment. Centre will fund transportation costs to and from Marion for home games and practices, approximately $840. Driver cost will be $1,200 to $1,500. Total estimated cost will be $3,500 to $3,750 plus a 37 percent share of fuel costs for games on the road.
Centre students who have signed to play baseball are seniors Jared Barney and Dakota Stimpson, junior Tyler Bentz, sophomores Dylan Deines and Bryce Naerebout, and freshman Cole Srajer. Marion has 12 players.
Smith said Marion Superintendent Lee Leiker expects the need for cooperative baseball to be long term. Softball will be up for consideration when the present two-year cycle is completed.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a Biddy Basketball program for students in grades three through six. The dates and times for the six Saturday practices are yet to be determined. Coach Alan Stahlecker will receive $700.
- Approved the purchase of two new 20-unit wall display panels for graduating classes at a cost of $3,337.
- Accepted the resignation of Danielle Murrell as cheerleading sponsor and employed Jennifer Hett in her stead.
- Met in executive session for 25 minutes to discuss a student matter. The superintendent and George and Jennifer Miller participated at separate times.
- Approved an out-of-district attendance request from Jenni Makovec for her daughter, Addie, a third grader.
- Accepted a 2013-14 audit report from Clubine and Rettele.
- Spent 10 minutes in executive session to discuss nonelected personnel.