Insurance change saves Cloverdale schools money

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale School Board continues to make cuts as the corporation foresees $1.3 million in state funding cuts in coming years.

Superintendent Greg Linton explained while staff cuts were a necessity to make necessary funding changes, the board approved a change in insurance companies which will save the school about $24,000 annually.

The school previously had property-casualty insurance through Educational Service Centers Risk Funding Trust (ESCRFT), but board approval Monday night switched the insurance coverage to Liberty Mutual Insurance and HBG.

"This is just part of the entire process. We didn't just look at staff for (funding) reductions," Linton explained.

Board member Vivian Whitaker commended Linton for putting in a lot of time and effort to save the corporation money in light of the budget cuts. She noted while the change in insurance agreement comes with significant savings, the corporation will continue to seek additional funding cuts.

Meanwhile, despite some necessary changes in the school's $1.4 million construction project, Project Manager Dan Sulkoske said the work has come in significantly under budget.

The school board entered a lease finance agreement in May with the Building Corporation to complete a series of projects, totaling just short of $1.5 million. Funding had been set aside for the much-needed projects, but the impending budget shortfalls meant that money had to be reallocated to other areas of operation.

The asphalt and drainage projects at the high school are complete, including a last-minute drainage extension to avoid flooding issues at the softball field. The asphalt project at the bus barn is currently under way, as well as an upcoming implementation of the bus lot fence and gates.

It was requested a contractor look at the roof above the middle school library, and Sulkoske said he was glad the request was made because the "decking was soaked." The flashing has been ordered and will soon be installed.

Despite a series of changes made, the corporation is currently $200,000 under budget for the projects. Sulkoske noted rather than bid out additional projects with the remaining funds -- which is an expensive process -- the school can request change orders to complete other work.

Linton said he has a contingency list of projects he would like to be considered. Sulkoske added the change orders can be up to 20 percent of the original bid from the contractor and has to be made before the contracts are closed out.

Linton stressed the remaining money has to be used on construction projects.

"These bonds were sold for a specific use, such as paving and construction. The money has to be spent on facility improvements," Linton explained.

The board approved an additional kindergarten readiness preschool class, along with a non-certified instructor and instructional assistant for the class.

Linton said there are currently 20 students on a waiting list for Cloverdale's preschool class, which provides students with the skills necessary to succeed as they prepare for elementary school.

He added there is a fee to parents for the preschool class, which means there is a minimal cost for the class to the corporation.

In other business, the board:

* Approved the employment of Gary Fraizer as part-time high school custodian, Julie Wagoner as elementary school instructional aide and Angela Kiste as elementary school instructional aide.

* Approved the retirement of corporation treasurer Debbie Rollings.

Linton noted Rollings is going to be missed. She has served in several capacities during her 39 years at Cloverdale Community School Corporation, with the longest role as treasurer.

* Approved the resignation of Daniel Varnes as junior varsity girls' basketball coach, Travis Dorsett as eighth-grade girls' basketball coach and Jamie Nees as media specialist.

* Approved the following extra-curricular positions: Daniel Varnes as junior varsity boys' basketball coach; Travis Dorsett as junior varsity girls' basketball coach; Chad Chrissman, Jerry Neese, Chase Haltom and Michael Neese as varsity boys' volunteer basketball coaches; Jacob Clark as middle school boys' volunteer basketball coach; and Tony Monnett, Chad Kelley, Joe Mann and Charlie Lee as boys' youth volunteer assistants.