Centre implements Bigs in Schools program
By ROWENA PLETT
Reporter / photographer
The board of education of Centre Unified School District at its Monday meeting authorized implementation of the Bigs in School program.
Bigs in School is an alternate program of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which is affiliated with Communities in Schools (CIS) of Marion County.
Bigs in School is similar to and replaces the PALS program which has been operating for several years in the district. It will connect upper-level students and adults with younger students.
Superintendent Demitry Evancho said at least two adults and one secondary student have indicated interest in becoming participants in the program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters will screen and train volunteers. Principals at the two school sites will help with orientation and training and will monitor the program.
The board approved renewal of a transportation fleet insurance policy from State Farm Insurance. However, the new policy will require a $250 deductible on comprehensive coverage and a $500 deductible on collision coverage per accident.
The 2001-2002 premium was $16,605.14 with no deductibles. With the deductibles, the current year premium will be $18,958.35. Without deductibles, it would have been $23,258.35.
The district's insurance broker did not appear at the meeting as scheduled, so board members were unable to receive more information or offers on casualty and liability insurance.
Out-of-district attendance was approved for Geneva Ray, a sophomore whose parents, James and Linda Ray, live in Herington.
Denis Ivanov, a 16-year-old foreign exchange student from Russia, received approval to attend Centre High School the second semester. He will be living with Marcus and Peggy Carlson.
Instructor Nancy Brockmeier was granted maternity leave as needed. She is expecting twins, to be delivered in mid-February. Brockmeier teaches social science and coaches junior high volleyball.
Marion shares with Centre
Arrangements have been made and approved for Marion High School to share the use of its pole vault pit with Centre.
The decision was made because, following several injuries to pole vaulters who missed the landing pit, Kansas State High School Activities Association has established new safety regulations that will require the use of a larger pit. The cost of compliance would be from $2,500 to $8,000.
Centre school district does not always have pole-vaulters, so the extra expense was deemed undesirable.
Alan Stahlecker, re-approved as Rule 10 track coach, will transport pole-vaulters to and from Marion. Senior Mark Pagenkopf is expected to compete at district, regional, and state levels next spring.
Board member Clark Davis, special education representative, reported that Marion County Special Education Coop is doing everything it can to reduce expenditures. He said a savings of more than $20,000 has been achieved by cutting supply purchases. Two vacant positions have not been filled, and the board has been instructed to maintain a $250,000 carry-over.
"We're trying hard to keep the costs down," he said.
He also shared concerns from parents about pressure being put on some students to participate in many fund-raisers by one organization. He said some students are involved in more than one organization and cannot devote all their time and effort to just one.
Evancho announced that the district has experienced transportation delays caused by obstructed railroad crossings. He said several calls to Union Pacific office have eased the problem. He encouraged patrons to contact the railroad when they experience excessive waiting time, such as 15 minutes or more.
"For a school bus with passengers onboard 15 minutes could be considered an eternity," he noted.
The board voted to provide a three percent increase in pay for the 2002-2003 year to Russell Hake as computer system administrator. He will receive $24,926, an increase of $729.76. Hake also receives compensation as half-day instructor in computer science.
Evancho noted that since Hake has become computer technician, no outside help has been needed to maintain the extensive district system.
From now on, Hake's pay increases for computer services will coincide with increases allowed for all certificated personnel.
The board accepted the resignation of instructor Peggy Shortridge as assistant junior class sponsor.
The board heard and approved the 2001-2002 audit report presented by Delores Longenecker of Clubine and Rettele Accounting firm. No discrepancies were found.
They also approved a contract with the firm for the present year at a cost of $3,850.
Board member Leona Hajek was appointed to serve as a delegate to the Kansas Association of School Boards convention to be held Dec. 6-8 in Wichita.
The board approved purchase of 18 Palm Pilots to be supplied to all instructors. Most of the $3,273.80 cost will come from Title II and Title V funds. Evancho said administrators and several staff members already have them and are finding them useful. He hopes the devices will assist teachers in their classroom work.
Evancho announced that the district has realized a savings of more than $3,500 in food service since Sept. 2001. He credits reduced portions and a slight increase in price.
High school principal Neal Weltha announced that Centre High School will be hosting the Eisenhower League regional volleyball tournament from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday.
Enrollment figures finalized
Evancho announced that 281 students are enrolled in the district. This includes 138 in K-6, 141 in 7-12, and three in special education. The total reflects a decline of 24 students from the previous year.
Prior year enrollments were: 1999-2000, 308; 2000-2001, 294; 2001-2002, 305.
