Grinch steals Christmas for some at Marion Elementary
Christmas won't be so merry for some less fortunate people following a break-in at Marion Elementary school early Monday morning.
Gerry Henderson, superintendent of schools, told board members Monday night, somewhere between $300 and $400 had been stolen from school secretary Deb Shipman's desk.
The money had all been donated and was used for various purposes. None of the money taken was school funds. That money is deposited each day.
Shipman said some of the money had been collected for the angel trees, another was money provided by a church which helps children who don't have money to purchase milk, and another was a fund for staff members — used to purchase cards and the like during sickness or whatever.
"Whoever did it knew what they were looking for," Henderson said.
"It's really sad because these donations were made to help out people," Shipman said Tuesday.
Henderson said the door to the school's breezeway had been jimmied and the individual or individuals had gained access to the office complex. Shipman's desk was damaged during the burglary.
Henderson said administrators were considering purchasing a lock box, placing donation money in it and dropping it off at the bank each night. Only Marion High School has a safe.
The Marion Police Department is investigating the break-in.
In other matters:
Board members approved an increase in driver's education fees from $75 to $100 for in-district students and from $150 to $200 for out-of-district students.
They approved transportation to the El Dorado YMCA For After Prom April 12 to return early in the morning April 13.
The board heard the Kansas Association of School Boards discussed, but took no action, on a district request to change the volleyball format.
The board heard from board member Susan Robson who said DSIT was considering bumping back to about third grade when students begin using computers. Studies show kindergarten to second grade students' time is better used learning reading and math skills.
Board member Doug Sharp said the special education co-op was projecting lower enrollment in the Oasis class, and was looking at budget cuts.
The board approved district insurance with a $1,000 deductible from Case and Son.
Following an executive session for personnel, the board approved the hiring of Keli Chisholm as assistant MHS girls basketball coach.
