North Putnam school board selects repayment plan

BAINBRIDGE -- The North Putnam School Board selected a 15-year repayment plan for its many renovations Wednesday during its monthly public meeting at the school's administration office.

With so many renovation projects taking place through partner Johnson-Melloh, the school was presented three options by an accounting representative from Umbaugh & Associates Certified Public Accountants.

North Putnam's "bonding indebtedness," as it concerns renovation projects like the solar farm and various interior repairs, will be paid back over the span of 15 years. Due to tax exemptions and certain neutralizations, existing indebtedness will drop from a 2014 level of $1.3 million to $1.1 million in 2016.

These "Series 2015 B-bonds," to be paid back by 2031, will be considered to be in a "level repayment" system, meaning the annual installments will be nearly equal over the life of the bonds, "much in the same way one pays a home mortgage," according to the representative.

The board approved "maximum parameters" in its repayment options at its August board meeting, thus allowing for total coverage of any action taken this month. These figures were presented with interest rates ranging 2.35 percent to 3.4 percent with maximum annual payments between $155,000 and $263,000.

This addition brings North Putnam's current debt to $1.3 million.

The impact on taxpayers within the school district will only be slight. With a median home value of $118,000 in the district, and a net-assessed home value of approximately $45,000 (value of a home or property after every possible exemption or deduction has been applied), annual payments for residents will range from $11 to $13 annually.

The resolution passed with 4-2 approval. Darrell Wiatt was the only member not present, resulting in a six-member vote.

Informational reports

* In other news, Bainbridge Elementary Principal Rodney Simpson, Roachdale Elementary Principal Scott Spencer, North Putnam Middle School Principal Scott Miller and North Putnam High School Principal Jason Chew all presented awards to Kaden Below, Chloee Livingston, Greeley Eastep and Kaelyn Abner, respectively, during this month's Celebrate Success presentation for their outstanding achievements in school and extracurricular activities.

* Superintendent Dan Noel gave his monthly report which included brief information on student transfers, student counts, solar farm financing (part of the much-larger Project B, the financial side of Project A), a report of the dates for ISBA and IAPSS fall conferences (Sept. 28-29), new lab tables for Bainbridge and Roachdale elementary schools (to be installed over fall break), youth football practice and game fields and an Indiana School Safety meeting was planned for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. No action was taken.

* Noel reported that he has recently approved the following fundraisers: Any Bainbridge Elementary fundraisers; selling Fannie May chocolate bars after fall break; a Walk-A-Thon on Oct. 1; selling "SpiritWear" throughout the school year; Prom Committee Fundraisers; basketball's Homecoming Silent Auction and selling candy grams; high school dance team fundraisers; selling popcorn and holding a "Dairy Queen Day," of which North Putnam will receive 10 percent of sales (any time from September 2015 to May 2016); ECA Club fundraisers; selling laundry detergent; athletic department fundraisers; Unified Flag Football; and water aerobics with community open swim.

* Noel has also recently approved a field trip for the eighth-grade class to visit the Reality Store at the Putnam County Fairgrounds on Oct. 5.

* An informational meeting on contract negotiations will be held on Sept. 22 at the central office in Bainbridge.

* Service Learning Projects for the middle school were discussed concerning the "deplorable" conditions of a cemetery and nature trail on the North Putnam High School grounds. This includes cleaning, upgrading, revitalizing the front entrance, a new sign and memorial bench for Jackson Whitaker. The restoration of the nature trail will include the designing, installation and maintenance of guideposts. Action was taken and the board's 6-0 approval will allow students to clean up the two areas for 20-25 minutes daily during regular school hours.

* Treasurer's Fund and School Fund reports were included alongside Umbaugh's financial presentation.

* A representative from Johnson-Melloh was in attendance and gave a presentation on the school's renovation status and solar farm progress.

Budget hearing

* A bus replacement plan was adopted by the board, consisting of the purchase of four new school buses. Of the seven buses purchased in 2005, only five still run with one being "used for parts." The board approved the plan 4-2.

* A Capital Projects plan was introduced and adopted.

* Board Policy 7802 was amended to allow, on a temporary student-by-student basis, students to graduate upon completed six semesters of school instead of the previous seven.

* Passing with unanimous decisions were a middle school dance club (Volunteer Sponsor Ashley Moeller) and art club.

* A $400 donation from the Mary Allison Children's Trust to Bainbridge Elementary was accepted with a 6-0 approval.

* A $2,500 donation received a 6-0 vote and was accepted on behalf of the football program via City Wide Paving.

* A change of food vendor was accepted after the previous supplier's conditions were deemed "not satisfactory" by way of price and quality of service. B&B Foods was selected through a 6-0 vote for cafeteria supplies and groceries.

* A plan to recycle outdated technology equipment received a 6-0 approval.

Personnel

* Resignations were voted on and approved 6-0 for the following employees: Makayla Seibold, girls' assistant varsity basketball coach; Leanna Collisi, athletic secretary; Cody Dyer, summer help (maintenance); Jeannie Haste, instructional assistant; Nichole Taylor, instructional assistant; and Lori Wittig, instructional assistant.

* New hires and volunteers include: Shawn Alspaugh, boys' head golf coach; Kyle Black, girls' junior-varsity head basketball coach; Christopher Geezer, boys' junior-varsity head baseball co-coach; James Miller, boys' junior-varsity head baseball co-coach; Curt Krominaker, boys' assistant soccer coach; Randy Clark, substitute bus driver; Kristin Osborn, athletic secretary; Krysten Kingery, volunteer dance instructor; Cara Stanley, volunteer dance instructor; and Monica Abner, Key Club sponsor; Tammy Donaldson, cafeteria aide; Samantha Herrman, instructional assistant; Alisha Laffin, pert-time secretary (25 hours per week); Natalie Little, instructional assistant; Jarrod Duff, boys' assistant basketball coach; and Travis Franklin, boys' junior varsity basketball coach. All personnel received 6-0 approval.

* FFA volunteers for the school year were presented and include: Katrina Asher, Richard and Kim Bayless, Jeff and Char Hoffman, Rod and Tracey Earley, Jenny Hays, Brien and Nancy Holsapple, Kevin and Denise Oxford, Ray and Heather Poynter, Nate Skirvin, Ronnie and Duston Spencer, Kristy Straziscar and Mark and Ann Timm. All received 6-0 approval.

Other business

* A recommendation to approve "practicum hours" for Avon Intermediate teacher Troy Warthan was passed with a 6-0 vote.

* A newly scheduled board meeting concerning solar farm financing has been set for Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the school's central office in Bainbridge.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting for North Putnam schools is set for Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Office in Bainbridge.