Our November 17th school board meeting began with many board commendations to particular students to recognize their successes in athletics and music. Congratulations to them all, for their hard work and perseverance!
The Treasurer's section of the meeting was pretty straightforward, with action taken to accept the Appropriation and Amended Certificate as presented, a depository agreement with National City, and Transfers. There were no "Now & Then" POs this month.
For the Superintendent's portion, Mr. Griggs presided for the last time in his capacity of interim superintendent while Paulette Baz was on maternity leave. The recommendations on various personnel matters were unanimously accepted, including a retirement, several volunteers, certificated and supplemental contracts.
We were asked to approve the process to begin taking bids on mold remediation in the closed off section of the Middle School. We have had both state level and county Board of Health representatives inspect this building and give recommendations. There are about 5 rooms that will receive mold remediation and the other cleanup can be done by our custodial staff.
Bids for a new ADA compliant bus had been received, and we were asked to approve the Blue Bird bid of $80,030 which included a $1500 trade-in allowance for our 1991 Blue Bird bus plus an early payment discount of $200. There was a short discussion of whether a better price for the old bus might be obtained by attempting to sell it on our own. We unanimously approved accepting the bid from Cardinal Bus Sales & Service for the Blue Bird bus, and we may expect delivery in March 2010.
There were reports by Mr. Griggs and Mona Dyke on the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) conference recently held in Columbus. We had a short Executive Session, and then our official business was finished.
A report from Mr. Griggs showed that our absence rates have been running from 5-9%, which is in the "normal" range.
Mona and I thought it would be helpful for our newly elected board members to receive some training prior to them taking office. With schedules being so crowded this time of year, we were able to set one date for a financial training session with Treasurer Cheryl Swisher. Other training will be provided as time permits, in addition to that provided by the OSBA.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October Meeting - Spooky 5 yr Forecast
Our regular October board meeting was held last night, Oct. 20th, and we had quite a few people in attendance. President Jeff Michael was not able to be there, so Vice President Dennis Heban presided.
At the beginning of the evening, a Board Commendation was presented to Dave Smith, recognizing his great achievement in winning the national title of America's best bus mechanic. He shared a bit of what he had done to win the award - it was impressive! Great job, Dave!
We always address the reports of the Treasurer as our first order of regular business. After approving the Transfers/Advances, Now & Then PO for Great Lakes Biomedical (related to our cooperative venture in a drug grant with Evergreen), and the rates for various substitute positions for the 09-10 school year, we then turned our attention to the 5 yr. Forecast.
Sorry for the "Spooky" title - with it being October and all, I couldn't resist.
Anyway, Treasurer Cheryl Swisher walked us through each aspect of the 5 yr. Forecast which is required by the state to be filed by the end of this month.
A significant part of school financing comes from the State of Ohio through various avenues. As many of you know, the state has been having a lot of problems trying to finalize its budget - which has a direct effect on school budgets. Many items are still unresolved, which led Cheryl to ask (at a recent conference) why the October forecast is required to be filed when so many of the numbers aren't known yet. She is of the opinion that her forecast for our district is pretty good for this school year, but from that point forward there are too many state related variables for this forecast to give a true picture.
However - based on what she does know at this point, we will begin deficit spending in 2011 to the tune of $770,932. Because we have a healthy cash carryover, we can get by. From that point forward - as best as she can calculate - our deficit spending will be $2,336,064 in 2012; $3,392,859 in 2013; and $4,909,897 of deficit spending by 2014. That is not a typo.
Again, because of our healthy cash carryover, we might not go back into Fiscal Caution until 2013, but by 2014 we will be truly, honestly and completely in the hole to the tune of $2,989,466. Cheryl also mentioned that IF our current "Emergency Levy" is put back onto the ballot at some point as a renewal, we will still be broke by $2.5 million dollars in 2014.
None of this takes into consideration the fact that our turn for a new middle school should be coming up in a few years . . .
Cheryl reminded us that, since 2004, our district has 'lost' a total of 216 students. So even without all of the current gyrations by our state government, we lost the revenues tied into enrollment numbers.
Mike Wiederman asked how State Issue 3 might impact our district finances if it was passed this November? Cheryl was quick to point out that every time something related to gambling was touted as being "good for schools", it wasn't good at all !! For example, remember when the Ohio Lottery was going to infuse all that money into our state public schools? Well every time we got a dollar from the Lottery - the state found a way to take back two (or thereabouts). Cheryl assured everyone that it was a consistent pattern, and she was quite sure that it will be no different with the gambling money associated with State Issue 3 that will be on the ballot. All state public schools would experience a net loss of funding, just as they had with the Ohio Lottery. So - for those of you hearing the TV ads that mention how great this will be for Ohio schools . . . don't be fooled!
So - on that cheery note, we moved on to the reports and recommendations of the Superintendent.
Russ Griggs is our acting Superintendent right now, as Paulette is still officially "off" on maternity leave. She was in attendance that night, with little Paul David (already 4 weeks old!).
The Board approved all of the Personnel recommendations, including student teachers and volunteers. We also approved the adoption of the Ohio Department of Education model of Special Education Evaluation Procedures.
There was some discussion with Middle School Principal, Ben Ohlemacher, about the proposed 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next May. Dennis Heban expressed concern that deposits made in November were non-refundable, and we didn't want anyone to lose money on the deal. But we were assured that great care would be taken to ensure that no deposits would be made unless it was certain that the trip would occur. The Board then gave its unanimous approval for the trip.
We also approved a one year subscription to the OSBA Communication Plus publication, the ODE School Food Authority Permanent Agreement, and the BGSU Field Placement Agreement for 2009-12.
At the end of the business portion of our meeting, Dennis asked if we had any school board candidates in the audience? As it turned out, we did! Chris Oberheim and John Schaller were both there that evening, and introduced themselves. It was nice to be able to put a face with the names.
We were then adjourned - and it was only 8:15 !!
Obviously, the tenuous fiscal picture will make for interesting negotiations next year with the SEA.
At the beginning of the evening, a Board Commendation was presented to Dave Smith, recognizing his great achievement in winning the national title of America's best bus mechanic. He shared a bit of what he had done to win the award - it was impressive! Great job, Dave!
We always address the reports of the Treasurer as our first order of regular business. After approving the Transfers/Advances, Now & Then PO for Great Lakes Biomedical (related to our cooperative venture in a drug grant with Evergreen), and the rates for various substitute positions for the 09-10 school year, we then turned our attention to the 5 yr. Forecast.
Sorry for the "Spooky" title - with it being October and all, I couldn't resist.
Anyway, Treasurer Cheryl Swisher walked us through each aspect of the 5 yr. Forecast which is required by the state to be filed by the end of this month.
A significant part of school financing comes from the State of Ohio through various avenues. As many of you know, the state has been having a lot of problems trying to finalize its budget - which has a direct effect on school budgets. Many items are still unresolved, which led Cheryl to ask (at a recent conference) why the October forecast is required to be filed when so many of the numbers aren't known yet. She is of the opinion that her forecast for our district is pretty good for this school year, but from that point forward there are too many state related variables for this forecast to give a true picture.
However - based on what she does know at this point, we will begin deficit spending in 2011 to the tune of $770,932. Because we have a healthy cash carryover, we can get by. From that point forward - as best as she can calculate - our deficit spending will be $2,336,064 in 2012; $3,392,859 in 2013; and $4,909,897 of deficit spending by 2014. That is not a typo.
Again, because of our healthy cash carryover, we might not go back into Fiscal Caution until 2013, but by 2014 we will be truly, honestly and completely in the hole to the tune of $2,989,466. Cheryl also mentioned that IF our current "Emergency Levy" is put back onto the ballot at some point as a renewal, we will still be broke by $2.5 million dollars in 2014.
None of this takes into consideration the fact that our turn for a new middle school should be coming up in a few years . . .
Cheryl reminded us that, since 2004, our district has 'lost' a total of 216 students. So even without all of the current gyrations by our state government, we lost the revenues tied into enrollment numbers.
Mike Wiederman asked how State Issue 3 might impact our district finances if it was passed this November? Cheryl was quick to point out that every time something related to gambling was touted as being "good for schools", it wasn't good at all !! For example, remember when the Ohio Lottery was going to infuse all that money into our state public schools? Well every time we got a dollar from the Lottery - the state found a way to take back two (or thereabouts). Cheryl assured everyone that it was a consistent pattern, and she was quite sure that it will be no different with the gambling money associated with State Issue 3 that will be on the ballot. All state public schools would experience a net loss of funding, just as they had with the Ohio Lottery. So - for those of you hearing the TV ads that mention how great this will be for Ohio schools . . . don't be fooled!
So - on that cheery note, we moved on to the reports and recommendations of the Superintendent.
Russ Griggs is our acting Superintendent right now, as Paulette is still officially "off" on maternity leave. She was in attendance that night, with little Paul David (already 4 weeks old!).
The Board approved all of the Personnel recommendations, including student teachers and volunteers. We also approved the adoption of the Ohio Department of Education model of Special Education Evaluation Procedures.
There was some discussion with Middle School Principal, Ben Ohlemacher, about the proposed 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next May. Dennis Heban expressed concern that deposits made in November were non-refundable, and we didn't want anyone to lose money on the deal. But we were assured that great care would be taken to ensure that no deposits would be made unless it was certain that the trip would occur. The Board then gave its unanimous approval for the trip.
We also approved a one year subscription to the OSBA Communication Plus publication, the ODE School Food Authority Permanent Agreement, and the BGSU Field Placement Agreement for 2009-12.
At the end of the business portion of our meeting, Dennis asked if we had any school board candidates in the audience? As it turned out, we did! Chris Oberheim and John Schaller were both there that evening, and introduced themselves. It was nice to be able to put a face with the names.
We were then adjourned - and it was only 8:15 !!
Obviously, the tenuous fiscal picture will make for interesting negotiations next year with the SEA.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A New School Year
At our September board meeting, district treasurer Cheryl Swisher said that some things were still not finalized on the state level to allow her to present an updated 5 year forecast, but what she had to-date was not encouraging. Certain state policy changes have been touted as being "good for schools" by state level politicians, but are only mere shuffling around of existing programs - some resulting in a net loss of funds for school districts. Mrs. Swisher is closely monitoring the situation and will keep us informed.
Mrs. Baz was in attendance at our meeting, and had a few personnel updates on supplemental contracts and student teachers. Each building principal had their building report included in our board packet, as usual.
Principal, Ben Ohlemacher had special packets prepared for us on his goals and plans for the Middle School. They have changed to a six period day. This will give our Middle School students around 21 additional hours of instruction in core academic classes this year, as compared with last year. Also, there are 40 minutes of daily intervention available where needed. Failure is not an option under Mr. Ohlemacher's plan.
One of the proposals put forth by Mr. Ohlemacher was his request to hold a parents' meeting to see what level of interest there might be in an 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next Spring. If enough parents are interested and if the financial considerations can be handled so that no one is left out from lack of funding, it would be a whirlwind, 2 day tour. Some of the places included in the tour package are Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Historic Christ Church and Betsey Ross House, the US Mint and the National Constitution Center. The Board gave its permission for a parents' meeting to be held.
At the end of our meeting, board member Mona Dyke mentioned that she was finalizing the second issue of the Bulldog Bulletin. Residents of our district should be receiving that issue soon.
I have noticed campaign signs for school board popping up lately. One I saw has a catchy slogan that I like. I have been told that one candidate for a school board position is a former Village Council member who had to resign that post due to physical issues (this has been some time ago, apparently). I hope those issues have been improved, if this person is now running for another public office. I would much rather have all three open slots be filled by people voted in by public election, and not have any of them leave the post prematurely which would require the remaining board members to appoint a person to serve the balance of that term.
Whoever is elected will be thrown quickly into contract negotiation scenarios with our district unions next Spring.
Mrs. Baz was in attendance at our meeting, and had a few personnel updates on supplemental contracts and student teachers. Each building principal had their building report included in our board packet, as usual.
Principal, Ben Ohlemacher had special packets prepared for us on his goals and plans for the Middle School. They have changed to a six period day. This will give our Middle School students around 21 additional hours of instruction in core academic classes this year, as compared with last year. Also, there are 40 minutes of daily intervention available where needed. Failure is not an option under Mr. Ohlemacher's plan.
One of the proposals put forth by Mr. Ohlemacher was his request to hold a parents' meeting to see what level of interest there might be in an 8th grade trip to Philadelphia next Spring. If enough parents are interested and if the financial considerations can be handled so that no one is left out from lack of funding, it would be a whirlwind, 2 day tour. Some of the places included in the tour package are Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Historic Christ Church and Betsey Ross House, the US Mint and the National Constitution Center. The Board gave its permission for a parents' meeting to be held.
At the end of our meeting, board member Mona Dyke mentioned that she was finalizing the second issue of the Bulldog Bulletin. Residents of our district should be receiving that issue soon.
I have noticed campaign signs for school board popping up lately. One I saw has a catchy slogan that I like. I have been told that one candidate for a school board position is a former Village Council member who had to resign that post due to physical issues (this has been some time ago, apparently). I hope those issues have been improved, if this person is now running for another public office. I would much rather have all three open slots be filled by people voted in by public election, and not have any of them leave the post prematurely which would require the remaining board members to appoint a person to serve the balance of that term.
Whoever is elected will be thrown quickly into contract negotiation scenarios with our district unions next Spring.
Friday, August 28, 2009
August Board Meeting
We are off to a good start of the 2009-10 school year.
At our regular August school board meeting, we learned that enough children had enrolled for Kindergarten that allowed us to recall a teacher. Good news!
Superintendent Paulette Baz had suggested that we tap Russ Griggs to fill in for her when she is off on maternity leave. Mr. Griggs has over 27 years of experience and is well known by many in our area. He has served in the Delta and Evergreen districts, among others. He should allow our school district to move forward smoothly until such time as Mrs. Baz returns to the helm. Her due date is in the latter part of September, so no doubt we will have her for a few weeks before her first child is born.
By now you have received your first issue of the Bulldog Bulletin, which is our newest venture in communication with residents of the district. This format will allow our principals to share their news and other updates, along with the Board. By having this newspaper mailed to all residents of our district, everyone will be informed in a timely manner.
It may surprise some to know that our district is made up of a majority of people without children currently in our schools. The Bulldog Bulletin will thus help us to communicate with those who otherwise might not be aware of school district events and progress. In addition, consolidating school district news into one publication will help the district to save money. It is a "win - win" situation for all!
Our cumbersome school district policy manual is going the way of the dinosaur, as we have worked closely with NEOLA to get all of it organized and available online. This was a huge task, and many thanks go to Mrs. Baz, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Swisher, Mrs. Dyke and others who put in so many hours to make it happen.
Issues with the Swanton water supply have made football practices and other things difficult. We have had to purchase water, as the odor and foul taste mean the kids refuse to drink it. We are told that the Village is working on the problem.
Our state ratings have been posted, and Swanton remains "Effective" by Ohio standards. Our principals are working closely with the Superintendent to formulate and implement a cohesive plan that will allow our kids to be "Excellent" .
As a reminder, if you have a question or concern please follow the regular "chain of command", by contacting the appropriate building principal first. Most of the time this will be all that is necessary, but if you feel a need to take your question further you may contact the Superintendent. Board members are charged by law to formulate the policies under which the district operates, so if you have a general policy question you may contact one of us.
At our regular August school board meeting, we learned that enough children had enrolled for Kindergarten that allowed us to recall a teacher. Good news!
Superintendent Paulette Baz had suggested that we tap Russ Griggs to fill in for her when she is off on maternity leave. Mr. Griggs has over 27 years of experience and is well known by many in our area. He has served in the Delta and Evergreen districts, among others. He should allow our school district to move forward smoothly until such time as Mrs. Baz returns to the helm. Her due date is in the latter part of September, so no doubt we will have her for a few weeks before her first child is born.
By now you have received your first issue of the Bulldog Bulletin, which is our newest venture in communication with residents of the district. This format will allow our principals to share their news and other updates, along with the Board. By having this newspaper mailed to all residents of our district, everyone will be informed in a timely manner.
It may surprise some to know that our district is made up of a majority of people without children currently in our schools. The Bulldog Bulletin will thus help us to communicate with those who otherwise might not be aware of school district events and progress. In addition, consolidating school district news into one publication will help the district to save money. It is a "win - win" situation for all!
Our cumbersome school district policy manual is going the way of the dinosaur, as we have worked closely with NEOLA to get all of it organized and available online. This was a huge task, and many thanks go to Mrs. Baz, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Swisher, Mrs. Dyke and others who put in so many hours to make it happen.
Issues with the Swanton water supply have made football practices and other things difficult. We have had to purchase water, as the odor and foul taste mean the kids refuse to drink it. We are told that the Village is working on the problem.
Our state ratings have been posted, and Swanton remains "Effective" by Ohio standards. Our principals are working closely with the Superintendent to formulate and implement a cohesive plan that will allow our kids to be "Excellent" .
As a reminder, if you have a question or concern please follow the regular "chain of command", by contacting the appropriate building principal first. Most of the time this will be all that is necessary, but if you feel a need to take your question further you may contact the Superintendent. Board members are charged by law to formulate the policies under which the district operates, so if you have a general policy question you may contact one of us.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Board Candidate Reminder!
Hey - do you know of someone who is running for the office of school board member in Ohio this November? If so, please remind them that the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) is sponsoring workshops across the state during September.
According to the OSBA, attendees will learn:
-> school board powers and duties
-> the most difficult things to learn about being a school board member
-> campaign issues, including campaign finance
Board member ethics and behavior
-> conflicts of interest
-> compatibility of public offices and positions
-> locally developed policies
-> Ohio's Open Meeting Law
And a Question and Answer session will be held.
There will be workshops in six locations throughout the state, as follows:
Sept.11 - New Philadelphia, Hampton Inn
Sept. 12 - Columbus, OSBA office
Sept. 14 - Findlay, Findlay Inn & Conference Center
Sept. 15 - Ohio University Inn, Athens
Sept. 21 - NEOUCOM, Rootstown
Sept. 21 - Roberts Conference Centre, Wilmington
The cost for the workshop is $75, and you must make a reservation. All sessions (except Sept. 12) run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Sept. 12 session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Registrants for the workshop will receive a Board Candidate Kit, which contains a lot of useful material.
Encourage those you know to attend one of these sessions!
According to the OSBA, attendees will learn:
-> school board powers and duties
-> the most difficult things to learn about being a school board member
-> campaign issues, including campaign finance
Board member ethics and behavior
-> conflicts of interest
-> compatibility of public offices and positions
-> locally developed policies
-> Ohio's Open Meeting Law
And a Question and Answer session will be held.
There will be workshops in six locations throughout the state, as follows:
Sept.11 - New Philadelphia, Hampton Inn
Sept. 12 - Columbus, OSBA office
Sept. 14 - Findlay, Findlay Inn & Conference Center
Sept. 15 - Ohio University Inn, Athens
Sept. 21 - NEOUCOM, Rootstown
Sept. 21 - Roberts Conference Centre, Wilmington
The cost for the workshop is $75, and you must make a reservation. All sessions (except Sept. 12) run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Sept. 12 session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Registrants for the workshop will receive a Board Candidate Kit, which contains a lot of useful material.
Encourage those you know to attend one of these sessions!
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