Centre school board makes budget cuts
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
At its monthly meeting May 14, the Centre USD board of education approved several recommendations from Superintendent Bob Kiblinger for reducing the 2007-08 budget.
The board voted to discontinue high school cross country, thereby eliminating a coaching position.
Junior high/high school pole vault in the track program also was eliminated, along with one assistant coach. Participants were transported to Marion for practice every day. According to Kiblinger, the transportation savings will be "huge."
Late bus routes also will be eliminated. Most board members agreed it was a good service but not a necessity. Jesse Brunner voted against the discontinuation, citing concerns about student safety.
In light of the board's hiring of a second administrator, the K-4 head teacher and 5-12 head teacher positions were discontinued at the present level of compensation. These positions may be reinstated at a lower level of compensation through board/teacher negotiations.
The board also initiated a fee for drivers' education. For students officially enrolled in September, the fee will be $100. For out-of-district students or those not enrolled in September, the fee will be $300. Fees must be paid by March 1.
The board accepted the resignations of Nancy Brockmeier, middle social studies instructor, and Kenneth Roe, band/vocal music instructor.
They hired Chris Waclavik to replace Roe and Janice Peterson to replace Brockmeier. Susan Carlson was employed half-time as librarian.
The following supplemental duties were approved: head junior class sponsor Laura Vinduska and assistant Gail Burns, play director Melia Vinduska, vocal music Lynley Remy, instrumental/vocal music Chris Waclawik, forensics Jennifer Montgomery, yearbook Kelly Steiner, athletic director Greg Wyatt, student council Remy/Vinduska, National Honor Society Cynthia Riedel, High Q sponsor Chad Tischhauser and assistant Remy,
Head football coach Steiner and assistants Stan Wiles and Pat Schoenhofer, head boys' basketball coach Cody Schafer and assistant Gene Schafer, head girls' basketball coach Steiner and assistant Alan Stahlecker, head volleyball coach Yvonne Burhoop and assistant Karen Nickel, head track coach Stan Wiles and assistant Stahlecker, and golf Greg Wyatt.
Junior high football, boys' basketball, and boys' track coach Stan Wiles, junior high girls' basketball, volleyball, and track coach Lisa Beye.
FBLA students present winning video
The board viewed a video composed by Future Business Leaders of America members Megan Gutsch, Selena Seifert, and Jessica Deines, led by instructor Lisa Beye.
Titled, "Advantages of Attending a Small Rural School," the video was submitted into competition and received first place at the Kansas Technological Leadership Conference in Manhattan.
The girls displayed the medals and plaque they received for their efforts.
Linda Ogden, director of Communities in Schools of Marion County, dispersed information on Marion County 2007 Kansas Kids Count Data. It showed that, based on student surveys, youth tobacco use and binge drinking are substantially lower in Marion County than in peer schools or the state as a whole.
Mowrer scholarships
The board approved scholarships awarded from the proceeds of the district farm donated by the late Lauren E. And Clara Mowrer. The six $4,500 scholarships were presented to Brittany Owens, Alyssa Luna, Seth Jirak, Gloria Belton, and Kevin Mueller. The money will be dispensed over four semesters during a two-year period, dependent on maintaining academic standards.
In other actions, the board:
— The board approved the following summer camps to be conducted by Centre High School coaches using school facilities: football, July 23-27, 7-9 a.m.; boys' basketball, May 28-June 1, 6-8 p.m.; girls' basketball, June 4, 5, 7, and 8, 8-9:30 p.m.; volleyball, June 18-22, 7:30-10 a.m.
— voted to make open gym available next school year to all district students from 2-4 p.m. Sunday during the basketball season if supervisors (coach/faculty members) are available.
— approved a lease agreement of the district house with the newly-hired 5-12 principal Nadine M. Smith.
— allowed $1,000 for moving expenses for Smith.
Kiblinger announced the hiring of Holly Stenfors, Michael Kaiser, Alyssa Luna, and Kylie Burhoop for summer maintenance work at school facilities.
