Board braces for legislative changes

North Putnam Community School Corporation (NPCSC) Board members heard a brief report from Superintendent Murray Pride about legislative changes coming to school funding via House Bill 1001.

The key elements include reductions in property tax money from $120 million to $70 million in 2010, the state taking over corporations general funds, the eventual establishment of a rainy day fund of $400 million, a capitol projects cap for elementary and high schools, a budget calendar change in 2010 to July to June instead of the current January to December.

There will also be standardized school plans maintained by the Department of Education who will serve as a clearinghouse for schools.

"With 60 pages to go through, I'm sure there are some things we don't know about yet, but that's all we know now," remarked Pride.

Board member Mark Fordice then asked about this year's June Draw (which comes from property tax). Murray told the Board that he received a note from the Association of Superintendents explaining that unless a county has a certified assessment value, and only four counties in Indiana do, then the county would not receive a June draw.

"It's kind of like we are being held hostage," added Murray.

The corporation can borrow up to 80 percent of the taxable revenue due in the June draw, which will keep things operating.

Board members also approved an articulation agreement between Purdue University and the school corporation to provide dual credit for college and high school. The class is an Introduction to Plant Science. Interested students must be recommended by their teacher, counselor and principle to take the class. Parents are responsible for the tuition costs, which are at the State University cost. The class is only for one semester.

"You're not saving any money on college costs, in fact it's probably an added cost to get that credit but it does help getting the credits ahead," stated Board member Dale McGaughery.

In other business the Council:

*Received an update on the impact of having block scheduling.

*Approved permission for Murray to send Notice of Reduction in Force and/or Notice of Non-Renewal Letters to certified staff as necessary.

*Approved two overnight field trips.

*Approved the 2008-2009 Calendar which has the same start dates, breaks and end dates as the other county schools and Area 30.

*Discussed moving the schools start date further back in August and having graduation over Memorial Day weekend.

The following personnel changes were also approved:

*Leave of absence for Kristie Hankins, Bainbridge Elementary, Anthony B. Freund, High School and Barbara Wever, High School.

*Accepted resignations from Anita Ferguson, Transportation and Kim Dagenhart, High School Instructional Assistant.

*Agreed to employ the following people for the 2008-2009 school year: Brittney Pierce and Brandi Holtz, middle school cheerleading coaches, Joanna Polly and Kristy Straziscar as middle school volunteer cheerleading coaches.

*Approved professional growth leave requests for Lori Baker to attend a Serve and Learn Conference, Alicia Cupp to attend Tech solutions for Special Education and Debbie Carrico to attend a State Conference.