Track drainage problems soak up more from almost-dry funds
Better sports news - school triathlon formed
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

A costly decision was made by Delphi Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees at the Monday night meeting which left a bad taste in the mouths of spending-conscious patrons. Faced with incessant financial concerns, board members could only respond that sometimes the bullet must still be bitten.

Unexpected problems during track facility renovations were reported by newly-appointed high school athletic director Vince Burpo. He said the track's base has soft spots caused by a high water table that promises certain failure for any new surface put on it.

The board agreed to pay $39,115.80 to F&K Construction for a one and a half-inch layer of ground to be removed from the track layout and replaced by lime. The layer would effectively create a moisture barrier and shore up any loose areas according to Burpo.

Frustration was expressed by both supporters and dissenters. DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker said situations like these are tedious with an already tight corporation budget, but the fund could handle it.

District patron Mark Justice asked the board if faulty engineering was to blame. Board members agreed the architects were not at fault as it was an unforeseeable situation.

Justice also suggested professionals be brought in to explain similar types of situations to the board and public. Walker responded he liked to have information filtered through his administrators, but appreciated the request and would take it under advisement.

Triathlon created

A long-time dream of physical education teacher Theresa Traver was brought to fruition when the board approved the formation of a middle school triathlon. The event is tentatively scheduled to be held Sept. 5 or 6 at Lake Shafer.

Participation is by invitation only. Students from grades seven, eight and nine will be selected by staff. Teachers want to be certain those chosen will be able to handle the relatively rigorous race.

Segments will include 400-yard swim, four and a half-mile bike and two-mile foot races. Walker said the triathlon fits well with the school's fitness goals.

"We are trying to encourage healthy bodies and healthy minds," he stated.

Corporation insurance will cover the event and police assistance will be in place.

Buses purchased

The purchase of one 72-passenger bus and a 66-person version were approved. Walker told transportation employees in January they would get no new buses this year. However, he said the deal the corporation was offered was too good not to bring before the board.

"I can't pass up saving taxpayers $20,000 to $30,000," Walker said, referring to the deal offered by bus supplier Midwest Transit.

The approval was contingent upon immediate payment to avoid extra fees. However, Walker's response that he could try to work out a deal to remove the fees, but would pay immediately if not successful, was accepted. Science wing renovation project team formed

Corporation attorneys Barry Emerson and Patrick Manahan, financial advisor Lonnie Thurber, construction management firm Envoy and architects Lorenz, Williams and Clinton will team up to delve deeper into high school science wing renovation planning.

Walker said he wanted to maintain focus on the project. He added community input would continue to be an important facet of the process.

Resident Shawn Ashby questioned the use of the same architect for the project team that is currently working on the track. He was concerned problems there might be more the fault of the firm than the board believed they were.

Walker said he understood Ashby's concern, but explained no one could have foreseen problems that arose. Board member Paul Brown agreed and added he had dealt with similar issues on his own projects.

"That doesn't mean jumping back in bed with these guys is right," Ashby responded.

Other business

Walker presented information regarding new teachers he and staff worked to recruit. He said he was proud of the new employees. "You will be impressed," he conveyed. "These are outstanding teachers." Wellness policy updates were approved. Claims and payroll in the amount of $1,288,877.14 were approved. Hillcrest custodian Paula Harshbarger and high school athletic director Bob Blaydes both announced their retirement.

The board conveyed their appreciation to each for their dedicated service.

Resignations approved were: Chip Gull, high school business teacher; Valerie Christner, high school dance instructor; and Mike Atwood, high school baseball coach.

Certified staff approved for employment were: Angela Bieghler, middle school guidance counselor; Bernadette Lange, 8th-grade math teacher; Katherine Volkel, eighth-grade language arts teacher; Thomas Murfitt, seventh-grade social studies teacher; Jeff Hoover, sixth-grade Math Jump Start; Jeremy Hale, high school biology teacher; Jeff Shuler, high school business teacher; Robin Coyner, part-time high school art teacher; and Vince Burpo, high school athletic director.

Classified staff employed were: Lisa Turner, high school assistant volleyball coach; Rebecca Walker, middle school cheerleading sponsor; Patrick Lowery, high school head baseball coach; Jeremy Hale, assistant high school swim and football coach; and Norma Carpenter and Alisa Bieghler, volunteer middle school volleyball coaches.

A work session to discuss the school's budget will be held Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. in the corporation office conference room. The next regular board meeting will follow the work session at 7 p.m.

Another regular meeting will be held Aug. 27 at the same time and location.

Special meeting

A school board reorganization meeting was held prior to the start of the regular meeting.

Robert Resler was re-elected board president in a four-to-three vote. Nick Cronk, Melinda Rossetter, Resler and Paul Brown voted to retain Resler. Jerry Sparks, Jim Garrison and Mike Shoemaker voted for nominee Garrison.

Garrison was elected vice president. Rossetter was named secretary. Both were sole nominees for the offices.

Routine reorganization matters including regular meeting date, time and place, corporation treasurer and assistant treasurer, extra-curricular treasurers, bonds, pre-pay authorization, appointment of school board general counsel, attendance officer, IAPSS and ISBA institutional memberships, S-5 agreements, board committee appointments and board of finance officers were approved without comment.

Walker was given permission to obtain a second corporation credit card for use in urgent situations. He said the card would have a $5,000 limit and should only be used when an issue calls for immediate action with no time to complete a purchase order.

No second was offered on an item concerning school board annual salary and thus no action was taken.