School board approves budget for new year
The Board of Education approved the budget for the 2006-07 school year at the Sept. 11 regular meeting.
The new $2,376,555 budget asks taxpayers for $1,156,034.91. This is an increase of $95,643 over last year's budget.
Brad Hoesing, the new social studies teacher, was introduced to board members Monday night. Hoesing shared his teaching methods and gave examples of how he teaches each of his classes. He also expressed his gratitude to have the opportunity to teach at Wausa Public School.
Hoesing is very excited about an upcoming project he intends to implement here. Under a Save Our History Grant program, his students will videotape interviews with W.W.II veterans. Hoesing said this is a national program and he will attend a class at the ESU to learn more about the programs. The kids will conduct the interviews.
One-Act practice began last night also. Hoesing, along with his wife Sheila, will be in charge of the One-Act play.
"I think the kids were a little surprised because we are starting One-Acts about two months earlier than in the past," Hoesing said.
He and his wife are very excited to work with the kids.
Under the treasurer's report, a Cooperative Fund has been established. The Cooperative Fund can be used for multi-school scenarios, such as the Interlocal Agreements and payment for teachers shared between schools. According to Supt. Marks, this fund is outside the budget and won't count against the budget the following year.
The Depreciation Fund was increased by $35,000. This fund can be used for larger projects that are multi-year, such as technology, the window project and the air conditioning.
Supt. Marks reported the Long Distance Learning room needs to be updated. An analog system will no longer be supported. Each converter costs around $6,000. Depending on how many converters are needed, the project could run around $30,000.
Two new computers were purchased. One in the guidance office to allow for access to the internet for scholarships, etc. The other computer is in the Kindergarten room. Marks wants all of the teachers to have internet access because they will be required to put their lesson plans on the internet.
The Fire Marshall did his inspection of the work done in the elementary basement. According to Supt. Marks, he was very happy with the outcome.
The junior class sold beverages for a couple of weeks. They made around $900-$1000. They should have $2400 in their account for prom and graduation.
All-State Choir practices have begun. Bob Garrard, music teacher, is taking six students to Norfolk every Monday evening for practices.
Activities Director Evan Smith reported the banners for football, basketball, volleyball and speech have been ordered. He is still checking into One-Acts, then it will also be ordered.
The board approved the purchase of three headsets with cases, for $943 for football and track.
Under the recommendation of Supt. Marks, the board gave approval to purchase new marching band percussion for $1930. The old set is in need of repairs and is falling apart. The new percussion will also be used for jazz band and pep band.
The marching band won't be in the LaVitsef Parade this year due to a conflict on the calendar. A volleyball tournament was scheduled for the same day. Miscommunication was the culprit said to be the culprit. The marching band will attend a band day at Wayne State College instead.
Under administrative reports, Supt. Marks said the bus barn is completed except for the gutters. The bag phones on the busses might need to be replaced. Altell has informed Supt. Marks they are updating the digital and analog may not work well anymore. Hand held units with a booster may need to be purchased. Supt. Marks estimates it will cost around $400 per bus to convert. He would recommend waiting to see how well the bag phones work before upgrading.
Under new business, the board agreed on a new policy concerning public input at school board meetings. Individuals will be allowed a five minute segment to represent themselves or a group on an agenda item. Those requesting to be placed on the agenda are required to notify Supt. Marks, in writing during regular business hours, one week prior to public notification of said meeting.
A High Ability program will be implemented at Wausa Public School for Kindergarten through sixth grade. The school will identify students and their higher ability in any core subject. This will allow for the school to receive grant money.
The next regular meeting is Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., in the high school library.
The board voted to move meeting times to 5:30 p.m., November- March