Staff writer
A lease-to-own technology package costing $53,907 over three years, with no interest charged, was approved Monday by Centre USD 397 board of education.
The package includes a Mac server and 27 laptop computers with a cart. The computers will replace those used by fifth and sixth graders for several years. The existing computers will be moved to the elementary school for use by students on the first floor.
The equipment will be shipped immediately from Apple, Inc., but the first installment of $17,969 will not be due until October, to be paid from the Federal REAP grant and capital outlay, if needed.
The change to a Mac server from Novell was made after a lengthy discussion. Technology Director Dusty Weigert said the Mac provides more security, is user friendly, and is adaptable to Microsoft personal computers.
The package includes hands-on training for Weigert and two days of workshops for teachers.
Jesse Brunner requested an overall view of the technology equipment owned by the school and how and by whom it is being used. He also requested a long-term technology plan. It was noted that, with constant changes in technology, a long-term plan is not feasible.
Despite a lower assessed valuation and a cut in state aid, the district tax rate appears to be holding steady.
The board approved publication of a 2009-10 proposed budget with a tax rate not to exceed 45.5 mills, including 20 mills for the general fund and four mills for capital outlay.
Board Clerk Peggy Falen said the state department of education encouraged school districts to put any rollover money they had into contingency in case further cuts in state aid occurred. Centre’s contingency reserve fund now totals $146,969, the maximum allowed.
A hearing on the proposed budget as published will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 in Centre High School library.
Board President Brent Methvin and Vice President Mark Heiser were re-elected.
After a 25-minute executive session to discuss personnel, the board voted, 4-3, to pay transportation director Bob Mueller an additional $1,500 a year for assumption of duties that were not stated in his letter of employment.
The board hired Dena Bowman as assistant cook at the high school site at $7.65 an hour for 30 hours per week. They hired instructor Cary Granzow as bus driver of the Burdick route.
The board approved purchase of a 2008 65-passenger bus from Kansas Truck Equipment for $63,475.
High school principal Nadine Smith received approval to reduce graduation requirements from the current 28 hours to 27 hours in 2010-11 and 26 hours in following years. The changes reflect adjustments recommended due to the change from an eight-period to a seven-period day.
Among many routine decisions it made pertaining to the new school year, the board employed John Klenda as attorney and legal counsel, named the Herington Times as official newspaper, and contracted with Ashley Ecklund as school nurse.
The board adopted the 1,116-hour school year for students in grades first-11, a kindergarten program with a minimum of 465 hours, and 1,086 hours for seniors. Two days are designated as makeup days.