Natural gas costs reduced
Staff writer
IServe, Inc., of El Dorado, a professional cleaning service, was employed Monday by the Centre USD board of education for the 2011-12 school year.
The action came after a presentation by the president, Pam Idleman, and Director of Operations Richard Idleman. Prior to the vote, the board met in executive session to discuss how the contract would affect non-elected personnel, meeting first with the Idlemans and then with the district’s custodians. Superintendent Jerri Kemble was included in the discussion.
The Idlemans have been in the professional cleaning business for 18 years.
At a total cost of $98,100, or $8,175 per month, IServe will provide complete custodial and maintenance services for the year and will act as a liaison between the administration and all related vendors.
The district currently spends $95,187 a year on custodial services.
The goal of IServe is to eliminate as much burden as possible from Superintendent Jerri Kemble and the district clerk. The company will handle all problems that arise with the facilities and will deal with insurance adjusters in case of damages.
As Director of Operations, Richard Idleman will provide training, testing, and uniforms for all of IServe’s custodial employees. He will use systematic methods of operation with a standardized schedule of responsibilities. He will be available to the administration 24 hours a day by phone or e-mail. As a “dedicated” manager, he will be at the site two to three days a week and will meet regularly with Kemble.
Idleman said the current custodial staff would be employed by IServe if they are willing to follow the company’s guidelines and perform up to the standards set by the company. They will take no cut in pay and will receive health insurance and retirement benefits.
Natural gas
The board approved a contract with Kansas Joint Utility Management Program to provide natural gas pricing services through the Kansas Association of School Boards. KJUMP will provide consolidated billing, risk management, feedback on savings, and auditing of bills.
Billings will continue to come from Atmos Energy, but estimated cost savings could be as much as 24 percent.
The board accepted a bid from Electrostatic Painting of Omaha to upgrade and repair the student hall lockers. Locks will be added to provide laptop storage security.
After 25 minutes in executive session to discuss personnel, the board adopted a resolution pertaining to a reduction in force for foreign language instructor Peggy Shortridge. Her contract will not be renewed. The action was taken as a cost-cutting measure in response to reduction in state aid.
The board also approved offering a part-time contract to Shortridge.
Instructor Cindy Riedel gave an update on the school garden. She said the project has lost its full-time gardener, who could not continue because of an unrenewed grant. Students and volunteers are keeping the garden maintained.
“My classes had a lot invested,” Riedel said. “I didn’t want it to go away.”
“You are to be commended for that,” board member Bud Peterson said.
Kemble reported on a trip she took with other virtual school administrators to Washington, D.C. She said the decision has been made to continue the Kansas Online Learning Program as it is for the coming year.
In other actions, the board:
- Approved $4,500 scholarships from the Loren E. and Clara Mowrer Fund for Cole Svoboda, Brian Burhoop, Jacob Jirak, Tyler Klenda, and Allison Shields. The remaining 2010-11 income of $7,500 from the Mowrer Farm will be placed in an escrow account to be awarded in 2011-12.
- Approved a list of Centre FBLA activities for 2011-12.
- Extended Kemble’s contract to June 30, 2013.
- Approved continued membership in the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas for a fee of $2,900 and a capital outlay assessment of $500 plus $35 per full-time staff member.
- Approved membership in Greenbush, the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, for 2011-12 for $750 plus $13.50 per teacher.
- Adopted a new policy regarding the job description of the virtual school coordinator.
- Accepted a bid from Nickel Construction to build a sidewalk from the elementary school door to the playground.
- Accepted donations from the senior class of $1,000 toward the purchase of new high school volleyball uniforms and $1,000 toward purchase of new high school football uniforms. The district has requisitioned these uniforms. With these donations, the district’s share of the cost is $1,204.
Kemble reported receiving $51,234.48 on an insurance claim of damages to district facilities from a hail storm. She said another $32,955 will be received after future repairs to the roof and air conditioners.
Kemble announced that the Centre Education Foundation will award four $300 scholarships and will give $500 toward the Healthy Living Camp.
The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. June 13.