DCSC to tap into rainy-day money for general fund
By Debbie Lowe

There may not be enough money in the general fund to last through the end of the year, according to Delphi Community School Corporation's superintendent Ralph Walker.

To remedy the situation, he recommended the board of school trustees allow him to advertise for additional funds.

Walker told board members at Monday night's meeting that too much money was previously moved out of debt service into the rainy-day fund, which now contains $774,780.

Walker recommended the action, "in the event we run out of money by the end of the year."

The board approved Walker's request.

Public Participation

Board president Robert Resler stated at the beginning of the meeting that the board will continue using the standard agenda form to guide the flow of the meeting. He then explained the role of the public at the meetings.

"This is a meeting of the board of trustees," he said. "It is not a meeting for the public."

"Anyone making a presentation, such as an architect," he continued, "is making a presentation to the board, not to the public."

Resler explained board members are elected, and when the public has questions or concerns about the corporation, they should contact their representatives.

Board members can be reached at the following numbers and email addresses: + Robert Resler - (765) 5642068, rrresler@ffni.com; + Jerry Sparks - (574) 686-2789, karen.sparks@ffni.com; + Jim Garrison - (765) 5642619, jbtmg@tds.net; + Melinda Rossetter - (765) 564-3089, mkrossetter@purdue. edu; + Mike Shoemaker - (574) 6523 3 4 2 , mashoema46917@tds.net; + Nick Cronk - (765) 564-9009, no e-mail listed; and + Jeff Brown - no phone or email listed.

Phone numbers and e-mail addresses were provided to the Comet by the superintendent's office.

Drug Testing Program

High school principal Barry Stone was granted permission to apply for a grant to fund a drug testing program. Stone said the grant will fund the program for two years in conjunction with a similar program at Rossville high school.

Camden resident Everett Snoeberger asked about the status of a proposed drug-testing policy that is still under development and not approved by the board.

"Things are moving forward," Resler said.

Walker advised the proposed policy would undergo another public hearing and must be discussed with teachers before he would bring it to the board.

Academic Standing

Stating the need for significant support from the capital projects fund for technology, Walker explained his desire to "move us up academically" in the state.

"I think you know I'm very driven," he said. "I'm very student centered."

Walker said the school corporation could be ranked in the top 25 in the state and that he would like to work toward that goal.

Other Business

Claims and payroll for $516,276.68 were approved.

The following were approved for employment: Chip Gull high school business teacher; Kirk Janowiak science department chair; Aaron Fezzey social studies department chair;

Karen Sisson middle school morning cafeteria supervisor; Larry Owens middle school S.A.D.D. sponsor; Amy Adams middle school cheerleading sponsor; Bruce Brown volunteer assistant football coach; Joe Fassnacht assistant wrestling coach; Mark Back volunteer assistant wrestling coach; and Jodi Emmitt - Hillcrest prime time aide.

The next meeting will be Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.