Good news about additional funding, from two different sources, was heard Monday night at the Delphi Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees meeting. Superintendent Ralph Walker announced full-day kindergarten would receive $131,384 next year, which is an increase in funding from the current school year.

He also reported the state tax board agreed with testimony he provided last week about incorrect county property tax assessments which resulted in diminished revenue for the corporation. An award of an additional $122,892 for the general fund and $37,728 for the transportation fund is expected. Walker said the money would arrive in 2009.

Walker said the corporation had yet to receive the fall tax draw from the county, which put some of the fund balances in the negative numbers. He said when the settlement arrives, the corporation would enjoy an approximate $500,000 increase in cash reserves.

"We've had a pretty good year financially," he said.

Head football coach terminated in split vote

The board voted three-totwo to terminate the contract for Vince Burpo as head football coach. Board members Nick Cronk, Jim Garrison and Chris Nipple voted for the termination. Jerry Sparks and Bill Trueblood voted against the action. Melinda Rossetter was not present.

"I cannot live with the financial revenue (of the termination)," Sparks explained.

He said he supported the termination but not the money attached to the action due to one year remaining on Burpo's contract.

Trueblood said he "had a problem paying two coaches."

Burpo remains as a seventh grade social studies teacher.

Other business

Farm ground recently purchased south of the campus will be cash-rented by Long Sugar Creek Farms for $225 per acre.

A grant for $77,625 was awarded from the state for high school language arts. The funds will be spent on roughly 30 wireless laptop computers housed in portable pods. Computer batteries will be recharged overnight when other electrical usage is less than in daytime hours.

Walker was given authority to transfer appropriations between funds to achieve end-of-the-year positive balances in all line items.

A comprehensive classified staff handbook was adopted. It replaced several handbooks for various employee levels. Sparks called the effort "good leadership" on the part of Walker.

Employment:

• Mark Back - middle school computer instructional aid;

• Nicholas Spohn - Middle school assistant wrestling coach; and

• Linda Dunbar - volunteer assistant cheerleading coach.

Medical leave was extended indefinitely for elementary teacher Kathy Miller.

Walker will dress as a conductor and read "The Polar Express" to the Camden Early Childhood Center in honor of "Polar Express Day."

The next board meeting will be Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.