DCSC board talks renovation
No comments from public about 2008 budget
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

If one makes quick work of present business, one has time to dream of what can be.

Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees set aside time after routine matters during Monday night's meeting for district patrons to comment on the proposed 2008 corporation budget, which the board will vote on at the Sept. 10 meeting.

Hearing none, the board made efficient work of three remaining items of new business, then turned a listening ear to construction management firm Envoy associates Larry Dawson, Gary Turner and Chuck Whitlock.

Dawson presented a general timetable to the board concerning renovations of the current facilities that would lead the school to hold a public hearing.

Dawson explained to move quickly toward the hearing would allow potential work next year to be grandfathered into the Ralph Walker said he hoped the hearing could be this year to secure lower bond rates and allow construction to begin in the summer of 2008.

The board permitted Envoy to perform a thorough inspection of the facilities and report back with an accurate list of renovation priorities and costs.

Walker told the Comet an "updated report on potential projects which could be considered by the board regarding future remodeling or refurbishing of existing buildings" will be available by Sept. 10. Patrons will be able to obtain a copy of the report from the corporation office or view it online at www.delphi.k12.in.us after it is developed.

Expenditure ratio unchanged

Walker said new state and federal guidelines call for 60 percent of expenditures to be directly related to student instruction. He said the goal was currently "not feasible" but that the school was very close to the mark.

The board approved Walker's request to "hold neutral" at its current expenditure levels.

Credit card change

Walker will replace the corporation's two credit cards with an $11,000-limit main corporation card and one $1,000-limit card for each building administrator. He said the system would be more efficient because principals know their schools' needs best.

Contract renewed

The Carroll County Council on Aging's annual contract was renewed. The organization will provide bussing for a wheelchair bound student. Additional students can be added to the service as the need arises.

Other business

Claims and payroll in the amount of $594,162.28 were approved.

FFA will use two or three activity buses to travel to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. Aug. 30.

Resignations were approved for: Lisa Martin, corporation bus driver; Karen Sisson, middle school morning supervisor; and Tonya Miller, 7th grade team leader.

Staff approved for employment were: Tammy Lewellen and Dan LePage - middle school Jump Start remediation; John Gasser, high school head track coach; Arrika Ruemler, high school assistant track coach; Craig Shaw - 7th grade football Coach; Natalie Betz, elementary school morning/afternoon supervisor; Jodi Emmitt, Barb Heath, Julie Price, Kim Bean and Anne Nichols - elementary school Prime Time aides; Gabriel Popovich, high school academic decathlon coach; Alan McConnell, 7th grade team leader; Karen Hanni - 8th grade team leader; Jeff Hoover, middle school morning supervision; and Tracy Martin, Tracy Bradshaw and Melissa Hefner, corporation bus drivers.

Future dates

The next meeting will be Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the corporation office conference room.

The district's first Middle School Triathlon will be Sept. 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Camden Early Childhood Center Open House will be Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.