Well this marks the start of the fourth year I have written this blog. Never thought I would do something like this. I've written 57 blogs and have had over 7,400 page views.
Before I get into the board meeting I want to provide more correct information about the athletic programs I last posted about. Jeff Gee sent me more updated information. The track revenue from student fees was $5,440 not the $1,200 I stated last time. The track expenses were about $3,652 for a net of about $1,788. The expenses of softball and baseball were about $900 more each, because the referee costs were not figured before. The travel cost for softball was higher too, because the state travel cost wasn't figured in either. Overall, our net loss on athletics was about $18,400. None of the coaching stipends are counted. Also not counted anywhere, is all the fundraising each organization does to help buy equipment and pay for other non district funded expenses. We did get reimbursed over $8,000 from the state to help cover some of our travels. For competitions that generate a gate profit at state, we get a share of the profit. For example, we received $3,947 from football. This included two playoff games in Boise.
Since I brought this up first, I will report on our discussion about the possible fee increase. After reviewing this idea extensively, the administration recommended, at least for one more year, that we not raise the fees. They still might require the students to pay for the hotel costs, or at least some of it. The administration has some ideas of how to save money with the travel.
Well, more about the meeting. Our spring sports teams were recognized for their accomplishments. The baseball team finished 3rd at district. I know they had some injuries that hurt the team. The boys track won district and I think finished 7th at state. The girls won the softball district championship, and won their first state playoff game. The girls won district in every sport this year except soccer. According to Mr. Gee, he thought the girls track team had won district for the 18th year in a row. Amazing. They got second at state by .5 point. Thanks to all our great coaches and community support. Firth high was awarded Exemplary Status by IHSSA. Firth finished third behind Declo and Soda Springs. This is based on number of championships in both athletics and academics.
Julie Cederberg presented the budget for next year. She said for the first time in several years, she was able to project a balanced budget. She thanked the community for supporting our Supplemental Levy. Without these funds, Julie wouldn't have been able to balance the budget. The state increased some of our funding but it was mostly dedicated for specific purposes without district discretion. She projected a starting and ending balance of $782,762. This is about $100,000 more than was projected in last years budget. We agreed to pay the insurance cost increase for the teachers, but no additional pay raise. We approved the budget as presented and thanked Julie for her hard work and management of our district budget.
Liz Killpack presented a report from the Education Foundation. She summarized their funding and what they spent the money on. They gave out $7,594 in teacher grants. They gave $4,160 for solicited donations, most of which went to the elementary library. They made $2,900 from fundraising at Barnes and Nobel, and the Halloween Carnival dinner. They also made $10,126 from their donation drive, and another $450 from the fair scone booth. They also managed the Lyons and Killpack scholarships, and provided attendance awards for the kids. They have plans to better align with our district's Strategic Plan, and continue to support our district where they can. They have been a great asset to our district.
We approved the Leadership Premium Program. We supported a plan by the administration that provides an opportunity for all certified staff to receive $850 if they meet certain defined requirements. The state wants districts to limit who is eligible to receive a share of these funds. We just didn't feel like that was a good idea. If a teacher doesn't do what is required, they won't receive any money, and their share will be divided among the rest of the teachers.
We were informed that Stephanie Jones, who worked in the high school office, resigned to go work for the Shelley school district. She has done a great job and will be hard to replace. We also approved the new teacher contracts. Tamara Jolley as a first grade teacher, and Katy Killpack as a second grade teacher. Deborah Richards as a high school math teacher and Blake Chapman as a maintenance man.
We discussed the plan for facilities and maintenance. I had inquired about doing more than what the district had originally planned to do. I asked about putting a cold weather entryway at the main elementary school entrance. Some kids arrive at the school before the doors are unlocked. With an enclosed entry, the kids could get out of the cold better. This should also save some heating costs. I suggested we go ahead and get this done, and the other board members agreed. Mr. Tubbs estimated from prior cost inquiries, that it would cost $8,000 to $10,000. I thought this could come out of our Non-Student Occupied Fund, but was told it would need to come out of the Occupied Fund. We have a lot more in the non student fund but still have plenty to cover the cost under the occupied fund. I asked about putting in more playground equipment at the elementary. They plan on replacing the basketball hoops which are bent. They are going to do a little more to improve the playground, but not much more equipment. It is very expensive to put new equipment in with all the safety requirements. I need to look more into what we now have and ideas of want can be done in the future. I would like to see more done, but it will probably take time to get it done.
The bus lane at the high school was also talked about. The blocks provided the security necessary, but more needs done. We were too slow figuring this out last year to do more than the blocks. I hope we aren't in the same situation this year. Because of a possible conflict of interest Casey can't be involved in this decision. I am going to meet with Mr. Tubbs Monday morning to further our plans for this project. The rest of the trees need removed and probably a berm with a curb and new trees need put in. More and better lighting will also be installed.
During public comment I requested an update on the Flex program for our next meeting. I have heard some concerns about this program, and think we should review it to determine what might need changed to improve the overall program. If you have any suggestions let me know.
We reviewed some policies and adjourned. We were done about 9:30, sooner than I thought we would. This is also the first meeting for me not having my daughter in school. I enjoyed graduation and being able to give my daughter her diploma, and one of her scholarships. It's going to be a change for my wife and I not to have any kids in school. We do have 11 grandkids with two more on the way, so we have a lot to look forward to watching our grandkids grow.
Well thanks to those who take the time to read my blog. I hope you find it informative. If you have any concerns or comments, let
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