Staff writer
Many routine actions were taken Monday by the Centre USD Board of Education in preparation for the 2011-12 school year. Changes from the previous year include a 7 p.m. starting time for monthly school board meetings, designation of The Herington Times as the official newspaper, substitute teacher pay of $85 for a full day, and a mileage reimbursement rate of 51 cents per mile.
Brent Methvin and Mark Heiser were re-elected to serve as board president and vice president, respectively.
Teacher Lisa Beye and 2011 graduate Jacob Jirak reported on their trip to the national Future Business Leaders of America convention in Orlando, Fla. Jirak won a ninth-place trophy in business law.
The board spent 55 minutes in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. In open session, they hired Annette Nienstadt of Antelope as a regular route bus driver.
Richard Idleman, director of operations for IServe, the district’s custodial services provider, gave a report on the status of summer projects and future needs. Afterward, the board approved soliciting sealed bids on resurfacing the parking lot and installing a wireless intercom system. Superintendent Jerri Kemble said a new intercom system is needed to ensure the safety of students and staff in case of an intruder. She said the current system does not reach every room.
The board will meet in special session at 6:30 a.m. Thursday to review the bids and take action. They also are expected to take action on employing a new school secretary.
In other business:
- A job description for the media coordinator was approved. Sheri Stahlecker currently holds that position.
- A premium payment of $24,919 to Copeland Insurance Agency for workers’ compensation will be made. This amount is subject to change because the custodial staff is covered under IServe’s workers compensation.
- An increase of 10 cents will be imposed on school lunch and breakfast prices.
- Two exchange students will attend Centre High School this fall. A boy from Bangkok, Thailand, will enroll as a junior and will stay with the George Miller family. A girl from Germany will enroll as a sophomore and will reside with the Phil Peterson family.
- Kelly and Kimberly Kroupa received approval to enroll their son, Karsen Kroupa, in kindergarten in the Centre school district. They reside just inside the Marion school district.
- The board approved the preparation of a 2011-12 budget with the following mill levies: general fund, 20; capital outlay, 4; supplemental general fund, not to exceed 18.5; and bond and interest, not to exceed 3.5.
- At a special meeting June 17, the board approved the following purchases: a Dixon DX272 lawn mower from Burdick Oil Co. for $8,423.96 and carpeting for the Title I classroom by Supreme Floor Co. of Hillsboro for $2,795.