GCSC nears deal on Deer Meadow roof repairs

Deer Meadow Primary School

Having discussed the issue since March, Greencastle Community Schools is nearing an agreement to repair the roof of Deer Meadow Primary School.

School attorney Bob Rund gave the school board an update on negotiations with architectural firm Fanning Howey, the school's designer. Since spring, the school has been in talks with Fanning Howey, the original roofing contractor and the shingle manufacturer regarding who is responsible for widespread leaks in the school's roof.

Rund said an agreement is in place with Fanning Howey in principal for the company to replace the roof's gutters and expansion joints, along with all roofing in the vicinity of these locations.

He said the last piece to be put in place is a contract with a roofing contractor.

The board has authorized President Bruce Stinebrickner to sign the agreement once Rund, Superintendent Lori Richmond and Maintenance Director Dan Green agree to it. He hopes the deal will be in place by the end of October.

"What's the likelihood of (the roof) being done in 2011?" board member Kelly Lewis asked.

"It's good," Rund said. "They think they can get the roof done in 10 days."

At this time, a temporary covering is in place on the roof, so the leaks should not be a problem until the permanent solution is in place.

Rund added that some disagreement still remains with shingle manufacturer CertainTeed over the nature and length of the shingle warranties. These discussions are ongoing.

Clay Slaughter was approved as the school's chief financial officer. He comes to GCSC from a private law practice in Bloomington.

Slaughter received his bachelor's degree from Purdue University in genetic biology and his law degree from Indiana University. He is nearing completion of his doctorate in education. He is married with a baby son.

"I'm interested in the opportunities that are present here. I think the corporation has a lot of opportunities and I want to be a part of that," Slaughter said.

Although he will have a different title, Slaughter will take over the duties of retiring corporation treasurer Nancy Marlow.

Ridpath principal and school safety director Shawn Gobert reported the corporation has again received a Safe Haven grant from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. They have previously used the grant to fund the Olweus anti-bullying program.

For this year, GCSC received $20,800, which will fund anti-bullying training for new teacher, substitutes for the teachers during training, a bullying survey for students, noon aids and bus monitors.

GMS principal and high ability coordinator Tamra Walker also reported the corporation has received its high ability grant for the current school year.

Although the grant was cut by just over 3 percent from last year to a current level of $32,126.55, it will still fund a number of aspects of the school's high ability program. Most of the grant, $27,500, will fund a partial salary for the fourth and fifth grade split class at Tzouanakis.

Other funded items include Advanced Placement teacher workshops, IAG/IDOE conference registrations and subs for teachers during the conference.

The board also approved a home/school liaison for Deer Meadow. At this time, the position was not filled, but approved at $25 per hour, not to exceed eight hours per week.