DCSC track renovations exceed bids
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Delphi Community School Corporation had its fair share of fiscal ups and downs in 2007. DCSC Board of Trustees approved several measures which helped free up muchneeded funds, but as most anyone can attest, sometimes unexpected costs nullify gains.

Among the first items of business during the board's Monday night meeting was a track renovation report from high school athletic director Vince Burpo. He said five change orders were issued during the project which lowered the original bid estimate to around $641,000 from $689,000.

Resident Everett Snoeberger asked for a total cost of the project. Burpo said issues that arose during construction raised the total cost to approximately $890,000.

A discus cage, hurdles, pole vault mats, concrete pads and grass, yet to be purchased, will cost approximately $30,000.

Temporary loan approved

Superintendent Ralph Walker said payments from the county were received late in 2007 and he wanted to be prepared in case it was to happen again in 2008. He expressed concern that the corporation did not receive money from property taxes paid late or not at all by residents, an issue he addressed through a letter to the county auditor last year. He said a tax shortfall of $114,519.63 was shown for 2007.

"We are not seeing money from late tax payments," he said. "We are working on finding out why and what can be done about it."

As a preventative response, the board moved to attain a temporary loan for $2 million in anticipation of late tax payments. Walker said he hoped to invest the money at a higher interest rate than the loan's rate as he did with a tax anticipation warrant last year.

Walker reported the corporation held a positive balance of approximately $1.7 million at the end of the year.

Snoeberger said financial experts previously reported the corporation was broke. He asked how the corporation could have so much in reserve. Walker said the expense stream changed during the past year including interest gained from staff cuts.

"It all adds up," Walker said. "Hopefully everybody is pleased."

High school to receive grant

High school principal Barry Stone received permission to apply for a biomedical grant for training and equipment. The grant would pay $25,000 each year for four years. He said at first students in grades 10 to 12 could take the Core 40 elective courses but hoped the state would continue to adjust the rules to make the courses available to all high schoolers.

Schools to become training sites

An agreement with Arbor, a company involved in Indiana's privatized welfare and workforce development programs, to provide training and education to individuals seeking placement in the workforce was approved. Residents from the community who participate in the program will be able to work with school employees to learn skills they could take to future jobs. Walker said workers would be volunteers to DCSC, paid by the welfare system and would undergo the same employment checks as regular employees.

"This is a good way for the corporation to help people from its own community," Walker said.

New cafeteria tables

Stone's request for the purchase of 20 bench-style tables for the high school cafeteria was approved. The tables and a trolley to move them will cost $22,595. Stone said the old tables are beginning to slope and break. Chairs and good tables will be stored for use during dinners and events held at the school. Board member Jim Garrison voted against the measure.

Other reports provided

Leanne Aldrich of the Delphi Education Foundation presented an update to the board. She said the foundation, conceived to collect donations for the corporation, received its federal and state tax identification codes and is now an official entity.

Aldrich said the foundation would focus on providing grants to teachers and classrooms. Informational brochures and packets were printed to provide to businesses and individuals.

"We want to lessen the burden on the board and taxpayers," she explained.

Camden principal Carol Coon provided an ISTEP+ report. She said information from the test would be compiled and shared during a teacher in-service day this week. Teachers at CECC were paired up to review the students' applied skills test booklets, made available for the first time this year. The information would help administrators and teachers find common errors among students and form a "common language" between teachers at different grade levels. She explained students sometimes make errors because they were taught something one way in one grade but the same concept was explained differently the next year.

Other business

Claims and payroll in the amount of $3,334,736 were approved.

Employment was approved for the following: Joy Atkinson, high school and middle school nurse; Stephanie Stone, Camden Nurse; Jamie Houser, middle school assistant swim coach and high school varsity track coach; Katrina Coghill, 7th grade girls' basketball coach; Shonda Isaacs, 6th grade girls' basketball coach; Brian Garrison, volunteer assistant 7th grade girls' basketball coach; Charlie Harris, volunteer assistant 8th grade girls' basketball coach; Jeff Johnson, head secondary custodian; and John Randle, volunteer middle school swim coach.

Future dates

The board will meet for a facility renovation work session Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the corporation office. The next regular meeting will be held there Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.