SPHS class to upgrade nature trail at school

The horticulture class presented its plans to repair the South Putnam High School nature trail to the South Putnam School Board during its recent regular meeting.

For an estimated cost of $345, the class will repair collapsing bridges and stairs as well as remove trees, low-hanging limbs and roots. The class will also improve handicap accessibility.

The project will be funded by a grant from the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization.

The class plans to begin the project during spring break (March 26-30) and to complete it in May. The dedication of the improved trail has been set for May 19.

In other news:

-- Claims: The board approved claims at a total of $579,131.95.

-- Corporation Improvement Project: The school board approved three expenses related to the Corporation Improvement Project: building maintenance services, not to exceed $600,000; roof drain inspections, not to exceed $6,455; and roof drain video documentation, not to exceed $6,000.

-- No School: Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said there will be no school Friday, March 23.

-- Personnel: The board approved the following personnel report:

-- Resignations: Jeslyn Ronan (part-time food service CES)

-- Terminations: Roger Perkins (FES custodian)

-- Hirings: Sherry Hanley (part-time custodian MS/HS), Cindy Spieth (part-time food service), Brandon Kinnaird (JV baseball coach), Pat Pistelli and Pete Wilson (MS wrestling coaches) and Josh Hendrickson (elementary wrestling)

-- Students of the Month: The March Students of the Month were Callie Allen (kindergarten, CES), Trenton Piersall (fifth grade, FES), Megan Frazier (seventh grade) and Madeline McHugh (senior).

-- Transportation: The board said it would take the idea of installing lap-shoulder belts in buses under advisement. Although the installment would increase safety, reduce discipline issues and lead to potential insurance savings, it would cost about $5,5000-$8,000 per bus. President Wes Hacker said the seatbelts are one of several expensive safety issues the school board is currently considering (building maintenance and school shootings).

-- Work Ethic Certification: The board approved the counseling staff’s moving forward with implementing the Governor’s Work Ethic Certification pilot program for the class of 2019. The program is designed to teach and demonstrate soft and personal skills, like professionalism and self-management. It will also include resume building, mock interviews and job shadowing.

The South Putnam School Board’s next regular meeting is set for April 11 at 7 p.m. in the high school library, 1780 U.S. 40.