By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After a brief budget hearing Monday, the Centre USD 397 school board approved a 2010-11 budget with a mill levy of 45.474. This is a .003 mill increase from the previous year.

The budget authorizes general fund expenditures of $2,316,529, an increase of $48,264, based mostly on an increase in valuation.

Levies include 20 mills for the general fund; 17.578, supplemental general fund; 4 mills, capital outlay; and 3.896, bond and interest. The district’s bonded indebtedness is $575,000.

Out-of-district attendance was approved for junior Michael Beeler of Marion, and Herington residents Angel Rieman, ninth-grader; Danae Rieman, seventh-grader; Jasmyne Beeman, sixth-grader; Sheryl Beeman, fourth-grader; and Demi Bollinger, sixth-grader.

Ashley Ecklund will continue as school nurse, and Carol Boorady and James Beasley will be special education due process hearing officers.

Rules regarding language on Facebook by staff were added to the employee handbook. Staff members are reminded of “the importance of maintaining proper decorum in the online, digital world as well as in person.”

The board approved an amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement among the five school districts in the Technology Excellence in Education Network, stipulating continued usage of the existing fiber optic cable in the event that one district withdraws prior to the end of the term.

The board sanctioned formation of the Centre Ecology Club.

Prior to the board meeting, Superintendent Jerri Kemble led a walk-through of the newly configured facilities. A new sign on the school designates the site as a kindergarten through 12th grade facility.

The transition from two facilities to one has gone smoothly, according to Kemble. Teachers, custodians, and other volunteers have spent many hours this summer preparing the new setup.

The district-owned house now holds the district offices. Kemble and her husband, Kurt, provided the interior decorating, including a Venetian finish on walls.

Classrooms have been re-assigned and a new playground has been established for elementary students. The kitchen’s serving counter also has been redone to accommodate younger students.

The first day of classes is Aug. 19. Teachers will return on Monday.