South Putnam board looks at financing for gym project

The South Putnam School Board again discussed issues regarding the gym wall repair project at the high school at its recent meeting.

In a much-shorter-than-normal meeting, the board conducted a public hearing on the additional appropriations to fund the project. With no public comment, the board approved the resolution for additional funding to come out of the rainy day fund.

A total of $350,000 was appropriated, a number that the board believes will be higher than the actual cost.

"We won't use that much," Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said. "But we appropriated that much so that when we get down to the end of the year and the processes we have to go through, it can be hard to do a second one if you under estimate."

Bernhardt estimated that the project would most likely use less than $300,000.

Following the passing of the resolution, board attorney John Zeiner informed the group that on Monday, Dec. 3 there will be a meeting between the board, architects and financial people at 1:30 p.m. at the administration office.

After the structural bracing project is completed, which will either be done before March 1 or before May 25, the board hopes to address the exterior gym walls and bleachers. The entire project is estimated to cost around $388,000.

"It's not urgent," Zeiner said. "But at the same time you want to move quickly."

Ending the meeting was Bernhardt who commented on the school performance grades that were recently published. The South Putnam schools received strong grade reports.

Central Elementary School and South Putnam High School received A grades, both rebounding from a C grade in 2011. Fillmore Elementary School received a B grade, down from an A in 2011 with now-closed Reelsville Elementary School receiving a D, down from an A rating in 2011.

"We are thrilled about the grades," Bernhardt said. "With Reelsville that was unfortunate, but understandable with the things they were going through. We've got a strong community here at South Putnam. It is one I am truly proud of."

The board also approved the following personnel matters:

* The resignation of Central Elementary teacher Jacqueline Casebeer, effective Nov. 13.

* The resignation of Amy Cassida as the middle school math team coach.

* Maternity leave for Tiffany Dickson.

* The hiring of high school instructional assistant Kelly Stevenson part-time food service Jessica Stewart, seventh-grade boys' basketball coach Bob Vansickle and middle school math team coach Jeff Duvall.