Bud Peterson resigns as CHS football coach
Remy reports on
'4-year-old At-Risk' program
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Centre USD #397 board of education accepted the resignation Monday of Bud Peterson as head football coach at Centre High School.
He had resigned the position several years ago but agreed to come back a few more years.
"The past 25 years as the football coach has been a very rewarding experience," Peterson wrote in his letter of resignation. "During that time it has been my privilege to coach and work with many fine student-athletes. We have had some very exciting times which I shall cherish always."
Peterson went on to express a desire to make his health and his family more of a priority. He also said he feels a younger coach could bring new ideas and strategies to the program.
"Thank you so much for all of the support you have given me over the past years," he concluded.
The board spent at least an hour hearing from instructor Lynley Remy and discussing the 4-year-old At-Risk program instituted last fall at Centre Elementary School.
Remy explained the things she is teaching, such as identifying numerals, recognizing letters, and learning the meaning of the calendar as it shows passage of time.
The six children visit the library once a week to check out a book, and also experience gym and music.
Remy teaches the four-year-olds in the morning and elementary school music in the afternoon.
Upon further questioning by the board, Remy acknowledged being responsible for both venues has stretched her abilities and physical and mental resources to the limit.
"By the time that last group comes along, I don't know if I have anything left to give," she said. "It has made my load heavier, but I need to have new experiences to avoid getting in a rut."
Her class schedules recently were adjusted to give her more time between morning and afternoon classes. Some grades have been combined for music.
Anita Svoboda, a district patron and parent, was concerned that Remy's commitment to the four-year-olds was hurting her ability to give music students an adequate fine arts education.
"I don't mind helping at-risk children, but I mind when my child suffers because of it," she said. "It's just not right to cram 40 students into one classroom."
Remy acknowledged she has had to eliminate some things, such as the honor choir and special musical performances, but she hoped to become more efficient at what she is doing.
"It's an evolutionary process," she said.
Board president Clark Davis said the board will review the 4-year-old At-Risk program in the spring.
Chris Cezar, executive director Marion County Special Education Cooperative, gave an update to the board concerning how the state measures the job schools are doing in special education.
The board granted permission for use of the high school facilities for an after-prom party following the junior/senior prom on April 22.
They also increased the approved maximum amount for medical reimbursement under the Section 125 Benefit Plan to $5,000, beginning with the 2006-07 year. That amount can be requested to be withheld from salaries to be used for medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Executive sessions were held to discuss certificated staff negotiations and personnel.
Superintendent Bob Kiblinger submitted the agenda for an in-service to be held Monday. There will be no school that day.
Kiblinger also informed the board of new rules regarding reimbursement for mileage and meals to district employees. According to KASB, the IRS considers board members as "employees" when expenses they incur on official business are paid.
Beginning with the 2005-06 school year, reimbursements must be treated as compensation, and payroll taxes must be calculated.
Clerk Peggy Falen said board members have the option to request reimbursement for mileage to and from a board meeting. If they request mileage, instead of being reimbursed through regular payment of bills, it will go through payroll.
"It's just handled a different way," she said.
Kiblinger announced that transportation director Steve Smith has been certified as a school bus professional. He also is certified as an instructor in bloodborne pathogens, automated external defibrillation, emergency oxygen, first aid, infant/child CPR, pediatric CPR and first aid, and CarePlus CPR.
