Superintendent s pay to stay the same at Centre
By ROWENA PLETT
Reporter / photographer
At its end-of-the-year meeting Monday, Centre school board voted not to provide an increase in pay for Superintendent Demitry Evancho for the 2003-2004 school term.
The motion stated the action "in no way reflects on his value to the district, but merely reflects an attempt to manage the district's resources."
The action came after the board spent five minutes in executive session to discuss the matter.
The board also approved the superintendent's use of the district car for commutes to and from his out-of-district residence and for school business. They discussed the matter in executive session for 10 minutes plus an additional five minutes with Superintendent Evancho.
Evancho's contract runs through June 2004. He has not requested an extension, as he plans to retire at that time.
The board spent more than half an hour in executive session with Falen and Evancho to discuss staff negotiations and another eight minutes with Evancho to discuss personnel.
In open session, Sharon Eckstrom was employed as high school science teacher. She is a Bethany College graduate with a degree in secondary education and a major in biology. She will teach biology, general science, and chemistry. She also will sponsor the student council.
The board voted to lease the district-owned house at the high school site to Eckstrom for $100 per month through June 15, 2004. She will be responsible for night security surveillance at the school. She has two school-age children.
Kenny and Lisa Stroda of Ramona were granted permission to continue to send their sons, Joseph, a sophomore, and Seth, a sixth grader, to Centre schools. They live just outside the district.
A five-year professional development plan for Centre staff members was adopted. It includes goals in school improvement, curriculum and instruction, technology, student development, and professionalism.
Evancho said the goal of improving school climate is "commendable."
Treasurer Peggy Falen said a general fund payment from the state of $162,899, normally received about June 20, will not arrive until the first part of July. The district also will receive a belated $7,318 in state supplemental funds.
Falen said the legislature passed a law allowing school districts to end the year in the red until delayed payments are received. The general fund had a negative balance of $33,655.05 on June 30.
After the payment from the state is received, the fund's balance would be $129,243.95.
The board approved transfers of that amount of money to special funds to produce a zero balance in the general fund, as required at the end of each fiscal year.
Transfers were approved from the supplemental fund to special funds, leaving $9,456.72 to be carried over into the next fiscal year.
Evancho reported the death of bus driver Kenneth Steiner. He said retired driver Bill Broce has volunteered to take his place until a replacement can be found.
Board members discussed holding meetings in a larger room.
"My impression from constituents is, if we had a bigger space, more people might come," said Clark Davis.
Jennifer Kassebaum concurred, but No action was taken.
Evancho reported the $211,000 high school roof project is complete. A final inspection was expected to take place Monday afternoon.
