NP School Board elects new officers

Friday, January 22, 2010

BAINBRIDGE -- Andy Beck was elected president of the North Putnam School Board after two tie votes of two to two. Both Beck and Debbie Sillery were nominated, but board members had to take three votes with Sillery eventually voting for Beck and breaking the tie. There was little discussion and no other nominations made.

Dale McGaughey and Jon Buser voted for Sillery, while Mark Hoke and Carl Blau voted for Beck, with other members abstaining.

Sillery was nominated and voted in as vice president, with Charlie Boller named secretary.

Board members voted to replace two 12-year-old buses after some discussion.

Several board members expressed concern about buying buses considering the financial situation of the corporation. They are $2.5 million in debt. Only after they realized that the school bus replacement fund could not be used for any other reason but replacing buses did they vote yes.

Superintendent Dr. Mary Lovejoy also expressed some concern at not replacing the buses and having issues next year by having to pay more and possibly purchase more buses.

"I'm concerned about the domino effect. Our bus plan will be compounded next year because we didn't purchase the buses," said Lovejoy.

Bids for the buses were received from Bluebird for $91,719, Thomas for $91,408 and IC Collins for $87,197.

Collins was chosen and the two buses will cost $169,094 with trade-in of the two retired buses. The motion was approved with a 7-0 vote.

Lovejoy reported that parents, teachers, staff and community members could go online from Feb. 1 to 21 to comment on the KEYS inventory.

"This will help us understand the things we are doing well or not," said Lovejoy.

Anyone who does not have access to a computer can use one at any of the corporation's schools. To take the survey go the schools Web site and click on the KEYS icon.

Sillery announced during the board meeting that there would be another community meeting to discuss possible reduction in force and effects in February. However, after the meeting members realized the date chosen was during girls' basketball sectional. A new date will be announced and parents will be notified of the date with the corporation's instant alert system.

In other business: The FCA will be raising money for Haiti at the Feb. 5 homecoming dance. All proceeds from the event will be donated.

There will be a drop-out prevention meeting on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the high school to continue discussions on the program.

Members of the FFA were recognized for being named 2009 State Champions in the FFA Food Service competition.

The following personnel changes were approved: the retirement of certified staff members Linda Patrick, NPMS and Mary Lou Wilson were approved effective at the conclusion of the 2009-1010 school year.

Resignations from classified staff members were OKed for Paula Batchelor, NPMS cafeteria; Tina Farmer, NPMS cafeteria and Dee Yurkovic, NPSH instructional assistant effective Dec. 17, 2009.

Retirement of Glenda Jackson as NPMS school cafeteria manager at the end of the 2009-2020 school year.

The employment of the following extra curricular staff were approved: Greg Barrett, varsity assistant boys' track coach; Linda Gjesvold, NPHS musical sound technician; Chase Hiland, NPHS varsity assistant softball coach; Bonnie Osborn, NPHS, volunteer assistant girls' track coach; Brent McColgin, NPHS volunteer assistant boys' track coach; Joseph Willis, NPHS volunteer assistant wrestling; and Adam Windmiller, NPHS varsity assistant softball coach.

The resignation of Betsy Fouts, NPMS as the Teens Against Drugs Leader was accepted.

The North Putnam Community School board meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

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