Staff writer
At its Monday meeting, Centre school board members reviewed several cuts proposed for possible cost-savings. Superintendent Jerri Kemble said, with the $121,000 of reductions already approved, the district is in good shape.
Other possible reductions could come from cuts in classified staff, discontinuation of the 4-year-old at-risk program, and elimination of the purchase of a bus for the 4-year-old at-risk program. These items were not discussed.
“We are OK for now,” Kemble said. “We don’t need to make more decisions tonight.”
One administrative cost-saving measure under consideration was elimination of district contributions to out-of-state transportation to student events.
Kemble sought clarification on that because seven FBLA members have qualified to compete this summer at the national convention in Nashville, Tenn.
After discussion, the board approved a motion to consider all out-of-state trips on an individual basis. They also approved $1,300 for the FBLA trip to cover part of the cost for registration, lodging, and transportation. The FBLA chapter will contribute $1,000. Students will pay for meals and any other expenses.
The board approved high school summer camps for girls’ basketball, football, and volleyball. They also voted to continue the summer ball program with accident insurance for participants.
By consensus, board members advised administrators not to cut field trips for elementary school students but to encourage consolidation of grades, if possible, to save transportation costs.
The board spent time discussing warping of the floor that is occurring in the northeast corner of the 1998 gym. They examined the area carefully, and several board members examined the outside wall near the area.
They reported several vents in the wall were not adequately covered by awnings, which could allow rain water to get inside. They tabled a recommendation from Kemble to contract for repairs at this time. They requested that Kemble contact someone to replace the awnings and see if that will solve the problem of moisture getting under the flooring.
After an hour in executive session with Kemble and Principal Nadine Smith, the board hired Kara Luce as a science teacher at CHS.
She is a 2001 Tabor College graduate and lives in Hillsboro. She taught in California and now teaches in Augusta.
The board approved attendance next school year of a foreign exchange student, Chi Co, from Vietnam. Marcus and Peggy Carlson will be his hosts. He has an older sister who also attended Centre High School as an exchange student.
Special education instructor Kim Smith gave a report on the advantages of having a Marion County Special Education Cooperative over being affiliated with a special education program serving a large city.
“At least one instructor is here at all times and service is timely,” she said.
In light of recent developments, things are looking up for the co-op.
It was a complete turnaround Thursday night when Marion County Special Education Cooperative board members were told that the special education cooperative was actually in the black and should end the fiscal year in June with a carry-over of funds.
It was quite a change from a couple of months ago when the cooperative director and board members were desperately searching for ways to maintain staff and serve students — even considering selling the cooperative building — anticipating a huge deficit at the end of the school year.
In the end, hard work and financial expertise resulted in a rabbit of sorts being pulled out of the proverbial hat, and the cooperative should end the year with nearly $330,000 remaining in its $4 million budget.
And next year looks promising as well with the board projecting an estimated $222,000 surplus when the school year ends.
A budget hearing prior to the regular business meeting was conducted on the republished kindergarten through 12th grade at-risk budget, which was increased by $155,000.
The board later approved the budget as published. The increased expenditures are the result of added enrollments. The money will come from the state.
Smith reported that end-of-year athletic and academic award nights will be combined into one event. More details will be published later.
Recognitions
Michael Beeler received a I on his vocal solo at the regional music festival. He will compete at state.
Kylie Beeler was a semifinalist for Kansas in a national writing contest.
For his senior project, Zach Antoszyk constructed a podium, printer stand, and rain barrel for Centre High School.
Shelby Deines used the school camera to take senior pictures. Smith said she displayed considerable photographic talent.
Kemble displayed the plaque she received Friday which honors Centre Elementary School as the Kansas Green School of the Year.