The school board approved a transportation contract for the 2003-04 school year with LOL and Hendricks busing companies. Initially, the bus companies submitted a bid for a two-year contact, but the school board determined to make the second year optional until negotiations could be reached. In the initial contract, LOL and Hendricks asked for a two-percent increase for the second school year, 2004-05. The school board noted they could not agree to the proposed increase requested for 2004-05, because of their budget deficit. “This is deficit spending,” said school board member Jerry Gillman. “But, it is a lot less deficit spending than last year.” The board also decided to use the state-approved voluntary surrender bus waiver. Currently, transportation costs are determined on a per student basis and come out of the district’s general fund. If the school had students sign these wavier, it would save the district money. A motion was made by Gillman and seconded by school board member Marguerite Laabs to accept the quotes received from the bus companies with some modifications. Hence, the contract was approved for the first year and made optional for the second year. This opt-out agreement can be utilized by both the school board and the busing companies. In other business the school board: • Approved the 2003-04 proposed budget. To which superintendent Scott Thielman said, “We are looking at primarily a balanced budget for next year.” • Heard a construction report from DLR representative Troy Miller. Miller told the board that they are still working with the roofing contract to get the leaking and ponding problems resolved. He informed the board that a letter had been sent to the roofing contractor and he hoped they would have a response a few days after the meeting. • Reduced Unaka Pugh’s contract by .1. High School principal Karen Imholte explained that Pugh was scheduled to teach a career development class and a study hall at the same time. Since this was not possible, it was decided to reduce her contract. • Approved a motion to pay the bills. • Authorized an extended contract for Dave Traurig as Activities Director. Traurig was given about 15 days or approximately 120 hours. • Granted a motion to extend Keith Haake’s contract for summer lessons. The increase will be paid by the band boosters club. • Approved the reviewed or revised health care policies. • Passed a motion to accept the first aid guidelines. • Agreed upon the updated 2003-04 high school handbook. Imholte explained that the new additions were updating the daily schedule and reverting to the previous activities section. • Discussed the emergency procedures and who has access to the school when or if there is an emergency. • Celebrated the success of 70 students graduating from KAHS on Thursday, June 5. • Were briefed about hiring a realtor to sell the community education property. • Looked at proposed meeting dates for 2003-04. The board will discuss these dates at the next meeting. The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17. The meeting is open to the public.
