Superintendent leads DCSC board to plans for financial security
By Kevin Schnepp

In efforts to ward off potentially worsening money woes in the coming years, Delphi Community School Corporation Superintendent Ralph Walker laid groundwork for a plan to improve the corporation's general fund balance.

Walker described strategies aimed at keeping short and long-term goals on target at Monday night's board of school trustees meeting.

Walker first suggested delaying bus purchases. He explained the corporation's bus replacement plan is two years ahead of that required by state statute. He explained the fleet is in excellent condition.

Secondly, Walker proposed a method of budget management, not involving a tax rate increase, to enhance debt retirement.

"This option creates more revenue while not affecting the taxpayer," Walker said. "So no borrowing, and then we can focus on building up our funds and letting them accumulate interest."

Walker said he wants the corporation to be prepared if an economic downturn occurs.

"When the next recession hits, possibly by 2010, we should be ready beforehand," he said. "We need to make our money work for us and have a good fiscal outlook. It's not good to ask taxpayers for money when things get bad for everyone."

The board unanimously approved Walker's request to advertise for a $1.75 million tax anticipation warrant in preparation for an expected late arrival of property tax revenue.

"Trending is turning out to be worse than re-assessment," Walker stated. "The state is not even close to getting taxes out on time by May. We can get along until March or April, but we may see both tax bills together in the fall, and we'll have to do something before then."

"I want to pay this (tax anticipation warrant) off by Dec. 31," he said. "And if we can borrow for less than we can invest it for, we might be able to make $20,000 to $40,000 in interest as well," he concluded.

Additional appropriations

The board voted unanimously to allow Walker to advertise for additional appropriations for the special education fund. He noted the measure would free up about $50,000 in the general fund.

Public forum

Walker encouraged all residents to plan to attend public meetings coming in February involving the corporation's future renovation decisions.

"We want everyone to come," explained Walker. "Hopefully the school is the focal point of the community and we want everyone to be part of its success."

He said the meetings will be on different nights and will offer opportunities for public comments, discussion, tours and a review of the literacy program.

Exact meeting dates have not been announced.

Principal reports

High school principal Barry Stone reported students are producing a five minute video, to be shown Jan. 15, about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The student council is organizing a fundraiser with proceeds to go to King's memorial in Washington, D.C.

Stone said diversity education is important, but he doesn't want to force it on the youth.

"The school does a good job of teaching diversity in the classroom," he commented. "What we want is for students to recognize the value of diversity, not shove it down their throats and tell them they have to do it."

Stone said a survey showed 43 area students picked law enforcement as one of their top three career paths. Therefore the course will be offered full-time in the future.

Middle school principal Robert De- LaRosa said parents of retention and re- mediation issues as dictated by school policy.

"We want parents to be aware of areas where their child is struggling," he said.

Camden principal Carol Coon announced donations from teachers, in memory of Ralph Rohrabaugh, went toward the purchase of seven books for the school library. The books, most having to do with Rohrabaugh's favorite subject of history, will have metal plates in his honor in them.

Coon reported Breakthrough to Literacy training will begin Jan. 25.

Linda Landis' class adopted servicemen Jason Cree and Tim Flynn. Students are writing letters and preparing care packages to send to them.

The school's winter concert will be Jan. 19 at 8:30 a.m.

Maintenance report

Maintenance supervisor John Eller reported a gas situation at Camden elementary was resolved through an outside vendor.

Board member Jerry Sparks asked Eller to explain the procedure for reporting maintenance concerns. Eller said it was dependent on the severity of the issue, but e-mail was typically the best way to do so.

Eller reported a Camden classroom has been without heat for several weeks, but may be warm again by mid-February.

"The vents are so aged, parts are hardly available," he explained. "It's on the renovation list, but getting the parts has proven difficult."

Other business

FFA will travel to the National Farm and Machinery Show in Lousville, Ky. Feb. 14.

High school girls' basketball coach Dave Schneider's resignation was accepted.

The following were approved as extra-curricular staff: Brodie Brooks, assistant varsity baseball coach; Mark Back, junior varsity baseball coach; Candra Nelson, volunteer softball coach; Barry Stone, high school girls' basketball team coach for the remainder of the 2006-07 season; Ralph Walker, volunteer assistant for high school girls' basketball for the remainder of the season; Jan Back, middle school at-risk aide; Margaret Best, Hillcrest cafeteria; Jamie Houser, head coach for varsity boys' and girls' track; Robert Brown, volunteer assistant high school softball coach.

The next meeting will be Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.