Assessed valuation up in Greencastle School District

GREENCASTLE -- Superintendent Bob Green reported to the Greencastle Community School Board Wednesday that assessed valuation is up $25 million in the school district over last year.

If things go as expected, this should be good news to taxpayers in the district, as it likely means lower property tax rates in 2011.

The jump came as a shock to school administrators and board members. Speculation as to why it happened included expiring tax abatements and the possibility of mistakes in prior years.

"I have no idea how that could happen," said board member Mike Dean, who is also a local realtor. "It's good, but I have no idea how it could be up that much."

With the end of the currently offered health insurance plan approaching on Dec. 31, Green also reported good news for the corporation's employees.

Insurance claims are running at about 67 percent of the year's plan so far. Because of this, premiums paid through November will be refunded.

"We've had an excellent plan year," Green said.

The good news will extend into 2011, as Green said rates will remain flat in the coming year.

The board also accepted 18 proposed personnel moves, including the resignation of Michael Culver as Greencastle Middle School assistant principal, effective at year's end.

Additionally, Heather Miller and Caroline James were hired as temporary teachers for the leaves of absence of Kacey Seaver and Jill Gooch, respectively.

Board Vice President Kelly Lewis, acting as a representative of the Greencastle High School class of 1985, presented a $1,000 check to the corporation. The money was raised by the class's recent 5K run.

Half of the money will go to the athletic department, while the other half will go toward a plan to honor former GHS football coach John Fallis.

The class raised an additional $465, which was donated to the GHS alumni association.