Carroll School Board discussed possible transfers from Delphi Community Elementary School at its May 20 meeting.

The situation exists because DCES failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress for two years in a row, and because of that, parents can request transfer of their children to a neighboring school.

The board voted to follow its already existing policy on transfer students, which states that transfer requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Superintendent John Sayers said one of the things to consider will be class enrollment figures, and those won't be known for sure until fall. He added however, that enrollment is expected to be tight in grades K-4, but there could possibly be room in grades 5 and 6.

"If we have room in a particular grade level, we will look favorably on the transfers," he said.

General Fund

The board approved the treasurer's report, but president Sam Zook pointed out the negative balance in the general fund (-$115, 674.37 as of April 30). This is due in large part, he said, because of the delay in the tax bills and payments. Zook explained to the Comet later in the week that the corporation has more than enough in other accounts to operate and cash flow the school corporation, but at the end of June, the state requires that all funds have positive balances.

Sayers said the corporation can request an advance tax draw but that won't be enough to get the general fund out of the red. He said at the next board meeting, June 3, he will ask the board to approve a tax anticipation warrant (loan) to put the general fund in the positive by June 30.

Handbooks

The board approved school handbooks, and when finalized, they will be put on the corporation website.

In the junior-senior high school handbook, a change was made in the Substance Abuse Policy Regarding Extra-Curricular Activities, under penalties, to read as follows: "Athletes who initially self-report their violation and cooperate with the administration will lose eligibility for 20% of the contests in which the athlete is involved. Athletes who do not self-report their violation will lose eligibility for 50% of the contests in which the athlete is involved."

Elementary book rental

The board approved fees for textbook rental. Elementary fees are: Kindergarten, $63.07; first grade, $84.33; second grade, $91.88; third grade, $107.04; fourth grade, $89.54; fifth grade, $94.69; sixth grade, $100.55. Fees for all grade levels increased, except for fourth grade, which decreased slightly. The highest increase was in second grade, where the fee is $14.42 more than it was last year.

Teacher RIFed

At a previous school board meeting it was announced that one less teacher would be needed for first grade next school year. Because of seniority, the person affected by the reduction-in-force decision will be fifth grade teacher Beth Moore. Her contract was cancelled, effective at the end of this school year.

"First and second year teachers go first," Sayers explained. "We reduced a first grade position but cancelled the contract of a fifth grade teacher, so there will be a shifting of teaching positions."

The board declared 18 wooden drafting desks as surplus equipment.

The purchase of 30 Dell laptop computers, batteries, and a mobile cart was approved for the junior-senior high school. Cost will be $19,048, to be paid out of the Capital Projects Fund.

A long list of fundraising requests will be considered at a work session before the next board meeting.

Personnel

Stephenie Pencek has resigned as drama director.

Diane Goubeaux will teach physical education in summer school.

Summer swim employees will be Amanda Schneckloth, instructor, and Emma Cottrell and Brock Richardson, assistants.

Elizabeth Rose will be Dance Team sponsor this summer and for the coming school year.

Rose Newville will be the bus driver for summer recreational swim, with pick-ups in Flora four days a week and a pick-up in Burlington once a week.

The next board meeting will be June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building. There will be a work session and executive session preceding the meeting.