Numbers look low at N. Putnam

Student enrollment is down at North Putnam Schools this year, according to preliminary statistics given to the school board Thursday night.

Total enrollment, based on information from the first day of classes this week, shows Bainbridge Elementary with 569 students -- compared to 585 last year -- and Roachdale Elementary with 261 -- compared to 289 last year.

The middle school saw an increase of 15 students, according to Supt. Murray Pride, with total enrollment coming in at 479, while the high school reported 553 students. Pride said these numbers are preliminary and could be different when the ADM, or A Day's Membership, total is taken in September.

He said the numbers also do not include special needs students who attend other schools or students who attend alternative school.

Pride reminded the board that the school corporation receives money from the state each year based on student enrollment, which is important as the board begins putting together a budget for next year.

Board members began going over the 2008 budget Thursday night but aren't expected to take any votes until next month. The estimated budget includes the following dollar amount -- general fund at $10,954,000; debt service at $1,697,356; capital projects at $1,315,000; transportation at $894,000; bus replacement at $485,544; special education preschool at $141,000; and retirement/severance bond debt service at $237,495.

The total budget estimate is $15,724,395. Pride said he overestimated the budget because he believes the state will cut it back.

Pride also noted that the corporation doesn't expect to take on any major projects this year given the current financial situation. Board members voted Thursday night to borrow an additional $2 million to cover operating expenses for the corporation until the spring property tax draw is received.

In other business, the board:

* Approved policy 8410 regarding teacher computer use on second reading, along with policy 9010 on parent involvement.

* Accepted insurance quotes for the school corporation with a total premium of $129,000, which Pride said was $29,000 less than last year. This year's plan includes $300,000 worth of violent events response coverage, which is new this year. Pride said it would cover the cost of counselors for students, along with other expenses, in the event a violent crisis, such as a shooting that occurs at the school.

* Approved the personnel report to include the following resignations -- Bryan Williams as athletic director, Audra Millican as Roachdale teacher's assistant, Tanya Stacy as custodian, Amber Russell as guard director, Myra Cox as high school head cheerleading coach, and bus drivers Alan Ward and Bridget Cox.

The North Putnam School Board meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the corporation headquarters in Bainbridge.