July 23, 2008

Southern Wells Schools not yet at ‘pay to play’ policy

For the time being, athletes at Southern Wells Junior Senior High School will not be required to “pay to play.”

Supt. Jim Craig told board members Tuesday at their regular meeting that he is hopeful that the corporation will not have to resort to asking athletes and other extra-curricular participants to pay a fee towards the cost of transporting them to events.

“I’m not in favor of the “pay to play” resolution, but obviously, it is a big issue that all schools are going to face,” Craig told board members Chris Smith, Rick Mounsey and Ben Morton at Tuesday’s meeting. Board member Lynn Fiechter was absent.

Because of the rising price in fuel, some school corporations are asking students participating in athletic and extra-curricular events to pay a one-time fee to help meet travel expenses.

“I don’t think we’re at that point yet where we want to charge students,” Craig said, although he intends to confer with the athletic director and study figures and schedules for the upcoming school year.

No action was taken by the board on the issue, but a decision was made to raise lunch prices 10 cents across the board effective with the new school year.

The increase will place meals for elementary students at $1.80; for the junior-senior high the meals will be $1.90, adults will pay $2.65, and a breakfast will cost $1.25. Milk is provided with each meal and the price of an additional carton of milk will remain at 40 cents.

“Even with this increase, we are still at, or under prices of other schools in the area,” Craig said.

In other finance-related matters, board members gave Craig approval to seek a tax anticipation warrant, if necessary.

“We still do not have a budget order for this year,” Craig said pointing to the delay in the issue of property tax bills and distribution of funds.

“We need to get the wheels turning in case we need to borrow more money,” Craig said, although adding that he is hopeful that will not be necessary.

Board members approved the request to borrow up to $750,000 if necessary.

“This is the last thing we want to do. What we are really doing tonight is a safety valve in case we need to borrow later,” Craig explained.

In other matters, the board:

—Approved fund reports, the annual ECA report and a resolution for an inter-fund transfer.

—Learned that inspection of the corporation’s school buses was held last week by a team from the Indiana State Police with all buses passing after a few minor issues were corrected.

—Learned that the concrete bases have been poured for the new lights at the football field. The light poles are expected to be placed soon.

—Learned that the gym floor in the Raiderdome has been refinished .

—Learned from Craig that he has talked with four representatives of nursery firms to receive information on costs to spruce up the main entrance to the school with new landscaping.

—Approved the advancing of some unpaid textbook fees to small claims court. It was noted that those persons delinquent in paying the book rental fees have been notified numerous times over the course of the past school year and will receive further notice before the claims are advanced to court.

—Approved the recommendation by Principal Chad Yencer to hire Monica Aker for the position of treasurer at Southern Wells Junior Senior High School. Aker is currently the administrative assistant/treasurer of the Boys & Girls Club of Wells County. Prior to that position, she was administrative assistant/financial secretary for a period of six years at Community Christian School.

—Approved the recommendation to make student Danika Warfied the second ICE student to be employed in the high school office. She will work with the athletic director as a secretary in addition to receptionist duties.

—Accepted the resignation of Nicole Graft as a kindergarten teacher.

—Accepted the resignation of Julie Cassiday as the Southern Wells School Nurse. Cassiday had held the position for the past eight years but has decided to pursue other interests.

—Accepted the resignation of school kitchen employee Rose Chism, who is moving out of the school district.

—Approved the fall coaching roster for football, volleyball, cross country, golf and cheerleading.

—Approved the hiring of teachers Bob Pace and Mike Carter as temporary groundskeepers at the school property. Pace and Carter will do upkeep on the grounds at a rate of $10 per hour for 120 hours each.

—Set the next regular board meeting for Tuesday, April 19.

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