Staff writer
After a brief hearing before Monday’s meeting, the Centre USD 397 Board of Education approved its 2009-10 budget as published.
The budget calls for a tax levy of 45.47 mills, including 20 mills for the general fund, 17.308 mills for the supplemental general fund, 4 mills for capital outlay, and 4.162 mills for bond and interest. The tax rate for 2008-09 was 45.399.
The district’s assessed valuation dropped from $16,972,688 in 2008 to $16,706,353. The tax rate is subject to slight change depending on final valuation.
The tax levy is projected to raise $797,108. The operating budget includes a maximum of $2,267,170 in general fund expenditures, plus $445,000 in additional local-option expenditures above state-mandated minimums.
After a 20-minute executive session with Superintendent Jerri Kemble, the board employed Brian Mell, Herington, as custodian at Centre Elementary School for 30 hours a week.
The board approved attendance of foreign exchange student Khusrav Mirov from Tajikistan at CHS. Marcus and Peggy Carlson, Lincolnville, will be his hosts.
The board also approved a consolidated application for federal assistance under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. It seeks $165,446 for programs designed to improve academic achievement of disadvantaged students, improve teacher quality and professional development, and help at-risk students.
Kemble gave public recognition to those who helped the community cope with a vehicle accident July 22 that claimed the lives of CHS graduate James Weber and Jeremiah Stang of Marion.
She said area pastors, counselors, school staff members and others came together to support grieving students and families. She said more than 700 people attended Weber’s memorial service at Centre High School.
Bud Peterson and Terry Deines reported plans to move two sets of bleachers from the east side of the football field to the west, to accommodate home fans. Students voted last school year to change the home side from the east to the west.