Water storage imperative at Centre High School
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
As a first step toward decreasing the fire rating at the 5-12 site, Centre USD #397 must have underground water storage available at the site.
That was the information Lester Kaiser shared Monday with the board of education. Kaiser is fire chief of Marion County Fire District #5 at Lincolnville.
His presentation was in response to the district's ongoing efforts to decrease its fire rating from a 9 to an 8 in order to lower insurance costs.
It has been estimated the district could save about $30,000 a year if the rating was decreased.
Kaiser said establishment of a water supply would not guarantee a lower rating but would make it more probable. He said requirements regarding communication, equipment, and training already are being met.
Kaiser provided information about a fiberglass underground water system provided by Darco Corporation, a Colorado company, which would cost approximately $50,000 delivered. There would be additional costs for installation materials, labor, and hardware.
The tank holds 50,000 gallons, 20,000 more than required. It is 62 feet long and 12 feet in diameter.
An alternative would be to install a retrofitted railroad car which would hold 30,000 gallons and cost much less. Kaiser said it eventually would be subject to deterioration.
Superintendent Bob Kiblinger noted if underground water storage would lead to a lower fire rating and save the district $30,000 a year, the fiberglass tank could pay for itself in two years.
No action was taken.
A bid was received on a bus the district is selling. The board rejected the bid and instructed the superintendent to dispose of the bus by auction.
In other actions, the board:
— voted to extend the superintendent's contract for one year. He currently has a two-year contract.
— approved purchase and installation of a garage door opener for the district-owned house.
— voted to support a resolution urging legislators to keep district funding at the current level and guarantee that any changes in the school finance formula will provide adequate funding for small districts. A signed letter to that effect will be sent to the area's state senators and representatives.
— met with Patsy Marshall in executive session to hear her complaint and discuss a student matter. After returning to open session, they voted to refer the matter to the superintendent for his review.
— spent 15 minutes in executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations.
— approved corrections made to the list of those serving as trustees for the new Centre Education Foundation. The original list was inaccurate. The name of Ed Belton was removed and the name of Ronnie Carlson was added.
— granted permission for juniors and seniors and invited dates to travel to Hillsboro April 23 for an after-prom activity. The district will provide buses and drivers.
Superintendent Kiblinger announced that foreign exchange student Khanh Do, a classified junior at Centre High School from the Republic of Vietnam, is being promoted to the senior class and will graduate in May. She will have met all graduation requirements. The promotion will allow Khanh to return to the U.S. next year and enroll in college.
It was reported that students in Centre Elementary School participated in a walk for diabetes which raised $2,367 for the American Diabetes Association.
Members of Centre High School scholars' bowl team — Rachel Davis, Brianne Stahlecker, Tad Remy, and Tim Baker — appeared at the board meeting and were recognized for winning the 1A regional tournament.
ACT scores submitted by Counselor Lacy Wallace revealed 2004-2005 scores lower than 2003-2004 in all categories, with girls outperforming boys. The composite score was .5 above the national mean. The 10 students who took the tests represented 71 percent of the senior class.
Kiblinger announced class scheduling is being modified for the 2005-2006 school year to reflect more daily classes and fewer block classes.
The district is applying for a $5,984 grant through the Learning Tree Institute for school improvement. Funds will be received in April.
