Delphi schools forced to request tax advance
Tax revenue may or may not be received
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

What is true in gardening is true in life - when a weed is allowed to grow, it begins to choke the flowers around it. Similarly, when a government entity allows the weed of financial woes to surface, all entities it supports suffer also.

That concern was paramount to members of Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees and local patrons during the board's Monday night meeting.

DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker informed the board he received a copy of a letter addressed to the Carroll County Commissioners dated Aug. 23, 2007, from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance which stated a dataset termed "Pay 2006 Auditor Data" originally due March 1, 2006, from the Carroll County auditor was not received.

The letter, signed by DLGF Commissioner Cheryl A.W. Musgrave, cautioned that until compliance is achieved the DLGF will not review or approve any county unit's 2008 budget or pending 2008 debt issues.

Board member Jim Garrison asked board attorney Barry Emerson for information regarding the issue. He informed the board county auditor Beth Myers said she sent the data, but for some reason it was not received. He commented it was unclear why the board was dealing with an issue that was between the auditor and state.

"If the DLGF had any complaints, they should have addressed them to the auditor," he stated.

In a follow-up interview with the Comet Tuesday,Walker said he sent a letter after the Sept. 10 board meeting to Myers, with a carbon copy sent to the state, asking why the school constantly faces revenue shortfalls. He said he has not received an explanation from the auditor, but there could be a resolution to the matter that he is not yet aware of.

Walker said in light of bleak tax revenue information he had little choice but to ask the board to request rate bids for a $2 million tax anticipation warrant, which was approved unanimously.

Financial report

Walker provided an overview of each fund's status. He explained figures were based on being two-thirds of the way through the fiscal year.

He said general fund expenditures were two-tenths of a percent over two-thirds spent, but felt comfortable with that number with only two payroll periods left.

"I think we're doing okay," he stated. "The question is will we see the tax revenues flow in that we've been promised."

Debt service was at 59 percent spent, with more payments due to be made from the fund.

Capital projects spending was reported to be approximately 95.5 percent. Walker said less than $100,000 was left in the fund, with salaries and other payments yet to be made.

Transportation/operating fund was about two and twothirds percent below for the period.

Walker noted about $500,000 remained in the rainy day fund.

Top facility priorities

Each building administrator provided a synopsis of what they viewed as top priorities to be addressed during anticipated future renovations. All including Walker, who spoke on behalf of the corporation office, said safety and security were of utmost importance. Secure entryways, cameras and buzz-in systems were discussed.

Administrators' top requests aside from security were:

• Carol Coon, CECC - intercom system and the addition of three kindergarten restrooms;

• Bill Shidler, elementary school - replace broken or leaking windows and doors, building exterior repairs, and HVAC training for maintenance personnel;

• Robert De La Rosa, middle school - add one classroom per grade level, preventative maintenance on the 22 year-old facility, a wireless computer system instead of adding outlets, and science labs;

• Barry Stone, high school - science wing renovation, technology improvements, mechanical updates including roof, restrooms and HVAC, and a multi-instructional facility to alleviate the burden of sharing the current gymnasium with the middle school; and

•Walker, administrative center - second work bay and a wash bay for the bus garage, a bus lift, and sidewalk and building repairs.

De La Rosa added that an athletic facility for the middle school would mean a great deal.

"If Christmas were to come early, an athletic facility on campus would be what Mr. De La Rosa would ask for," he said of himself. Currently the school shares the high school gym and utilizes the Monroe St. facility for activities and classes.

Literacy program Walker's request to provide Breakthrough to Literacy materials to three classrooms at Camden Early Childhood Center was approved. Two kindergarten classes and a special education preschool class will be provided the program for $52,492. Payment for the materials will be made from capital projects funds in January 2008.

Middle school roof repairs

Henshaw Roofing of Frankfort will repair leaks in the middle school roof over the library during fall break for $7,700.

Health insurance

Walker said health insurance provider Arnett was bought out by United Healthcare. Walker said United proposed a 10-percent increase for next year's coverage, which the board approved.

The plan covers 17 classified staff and administrators within the district, and 30 overall including family members. Benefits under the United plan mirrored the formerArnett plan.

Walker said insurance rates typically rose more than 10-percent annually.

"I'm comfortable with the increase," Walker commented. "I'm surprised it's not higher."

Library board appointment

Joy Atkinson was approved for another term as the school's library board appointee. Her term will now expire in 2011.

Other business

Claims and payroll in the amount of $1,216,035.72 were approved.

The board approved the purchase of a new Hobart mixer for the high school cafeteria at a cost of $5,493.10 plus $150 for a warranty.

Board member Jerry Sparks announced the high school soccer team won its first varsity meet.

High school band and poms will travel to Chicago from April 25 to 27, 2008.

High school class sponsors approved were: Senior class - Joyce Lawton and Norma Carpenter; Juniors - Amy Tonsoni and Michael Lewis; Sophomores - Amy Adams and Tina Johnson; Freshmen - Barb Broedel and Larinda Roswarski.

Employments were approved for Brooke Bailey, sixth grade At-Risk Aide, and Lorinda Roswarski, corporation bus driver.

A bus driver recognition breakfast was tentatively scheduled for Oct. 3 at 8:30 a.m. in the high school commons.

The next regular meeting will be Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at the corporation office.