Walker being prudent to save money
Delphi tries a new strategy
By Debbie Lowe

Walker

When Delphi Community School Corporation hired a new superintendent in August, it was expected that the corporation might be run differently. That expectation is coming to fruition sooner rather than later.

Superintendent Ralph Walker gained permission to advertise for $277,479.96 additional appropriations from the rainy day fund for debt service and to pay two Logansport Area Joint Special Services Cooperative payments at the Monday night board of trustees meeting. This measure is designed to begin to build a surplus in the general fund to have the funds to always be able to pay corporation bills.

"I want everyone to be on board with me about this," Walker said as he explained his financial vision for the corporation.

"Borrowing money to pay bills costs the taxpayers in interest payments," Walker explained. "I've never felt good about taxpayers paying interest. $18,534 interest was paid last year."

Walker said that ideally, a school corporation wants to have between eight and 10 percent of their budget left over in the general fund. He said the way school corporations build cash reserves is to add to the rainy day fund at the end of every year from unused monies in other funds such as bus replacement or capital improvements. The leftover funds are then appropriated as additionals from the rainy day fund into the general fund.

"You have to work at this," Walker said. "There's nothing secret about it." He continued explaining that it would take three to four years to reach the goal of not needing to borrow money at the beginning of each calendar year to pay the bills until property tax money is received.

"I want you to be with me about what my vision is," he concluded.

Athletic track project

Ed Soots from the engineering firm of Lorenz-Williams-Clinton reported bids for the athletic track were received and all were more than the engineering firm's estimates. The lowest bid received was from F&K Construction for $587,000. He said higher asphalt products costs and additional needed underground work were two factors that drove the bids higher than expected.

"There is some sticker shock here," Walker remarked.

Walker explained the bids were good for 90 days, which would give board members time to consider all options before making a decision.

"If we're going to do this project, we should do it right," board member Jim Garrison said. "I know it's a lot of money, but when it's done, it's done."

Board member Mike Shoemaker emphasized the need for the public to attend the next school board meeting to provide input for the decision.

Budget adoption

Resolutions to adopt the 2007 capital projects plan, bus replacement plan, tax rates and all other funds were approved.

Other business

Middle school principal Robert DeLaRosa presented the proposed attendance policy. Board member Jerry Sparks questioned the wording of the policy in some areas. He suggested making the language clearer and more concise. The matter was referred to corporation attorney Patrick Manahan for review and to develop verbiage suggestions.

Walker was given permission to perform a facilities review over the next 18 months in order to investigate departmental needs.

Corporation-wide enrollment is down from last year by 46 full-time students.

"I wish I had some better news than I do," Walker said.

He explained the official count for the year was Sept. 15. The loss of students translates to the loss of approximately $3,000 per student in state funding for the year.

Walker announced the corporation will begin maintaining the athletic fields by utilizing staff and students. Walker said the measure would serve to educate students.

Safety brochures for each school were developed to aid teachers and substitutes in deciding how to handle a variety of emergency situations. The brochures will provide consistent and uniform information about emergency responses throughout the corporation.

Water aerobics are offered at the high school pool on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. For more information contact the school.

Sparks provided other board members a proposed monthly financial reporting form.

"It's something I'd like to see used in the future," he said.

Board members accepted the resignation of board member Jeff Brown. Walker said Brown's replacement would be discussed in the executive session immediately following the public meeting.

Personnel

Resignations of Rock Creek board member Jeff Brown, Hillcrest Spell Bowl Coach Barbara Bergner and bus driver Lonnie Frye were accepted. Sparks commended Frye for his excellent service record and job dedication.

New hires approved included:

+ Molly Young - Corporation bus driver;

+ Craig Shaw - High school volunteer assistant wrestling coach;

+ Cassie Gasser and Sherri Cripe - Hillcrest Spell Bowl coaches; and

+ Judith Foster - High school part-time custodian.

The school board will meet once in October on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.