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SP board places Sutherland on unpaid leave
South Putnam school board has decided to place Rick Sutherland on an indefinite leave of absence without pay, effective April 1.
Sutherland, who is employed by the school corporation, was charged earlier this month with seven felony counts of theft. The charges stem from unauthorized use of a credit card through Sutherland's previous employer, National Printing in Brazil.
To fill his space as the computer technician, the corporation has brought in several consultants to work on its computer system. The board has not made an official decision on Sutherland's future with the school system.
"Board members are working to address it," Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said.
Harold Campbell, a South Putnam High School teacher, has been placed on a leave of absence with pay until the end of the school year. Campbell was also the baseball coach and has been removed from that position.
The board was not at liberty to discuss the nature of Campbell's leave of absence, as it is a personnel issue.
In other announcements, Bernhardt said the final tax draw has been received. It was $75,000 less than expected by the school corporation. Of the $75,000, $30,000 was in the general fund with the remaining $45,000 spread throughout other funds.
Bernhardt was a "little surprised" to learn $14,000 was from property taxes and $61,000 from excise taxes to make up the $75,000.
With the general fund now being controlled at the state level, schools should start receiving one-twelfth of their general fund monies each month.
Bernhardt thinks this set-up will help reduce cash-flow issues. In the past, schools have had to borrow money until they received tax draws twice each year. The new practice should eliminate the need for loans and save schools from paying interest.
"The board has been frugal with taxpayers money," said Bernhardt. "It certainly looks like we might have to tighten our belts a little more in the future."
One school board member, Darwyn Nelson, showed his frustration with the auditor's office regarding the late distribution of tax draws. He stated he would like to have a public meeting set up with Auditor Stephanie Campbell to discuss the issue.
"I don't buy what she is telling us," Nelson said of Campbell during the meeting.
Among approvals by the school board was one to allow high school student Dylan Hayes to create a Frisbee golf course on school property. The course will be located near Central Elementary and is part of an Eagle Scout project for Hayes. As such, he will be providing the labor and materials for the project.
He told school board members he plays the game himself and "thought it would be nice to have a course locally."
The nearest one, Hayes said, is at Forrest Park in Brazil.
Some parents of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students were slightly upset with the school board. Two weeks ago, FCCLA won state championships. They have been invited to nationals, which carries a large price tag.
It is estimated they need a total of $3,200 for the eight to 10 students to attend the national competition. When the school board was asked if there were any funds available, it said no.
One parent said she was disappointed no action has been or will be taken by the school on behalf of the student's success.
South Putnam school board has requested a joint meeting with the three other county school boards -- Cloverdale, Greencastle and North Putnam. An Indiana School Board Association representative will monitor the meeting.
The intention of the joint meeting will be to discuss how each school corporation can do its best to be efficient county-wide.
It has been set for sometime in April and will be open to the public. Residents will not be given the opportunity to speak at the meeting, but are welcome to attend.