DCSC interim superintendent's contract questioned
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Delphi Community School Corporation Board of Trustees held a special board meeting after the scheduled work session Jan. 22. The meeting was DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker's first since his return from a 90-day retirement.

Four items were on the agenda for discussion and possible action, but a question during public comments resulted in as much attention as the board's business.

After reviewing claims approved by the board at recent meetings, patron Kirk Schwarzkopf asked during public comments for an explanation of how interim superintendent Steve Sailor was paid in excess of the $7,700 contract. According to the contract which board president Robert Resler signed, Sailor was paid mileage while employed by DCSC at the rate of 48.5 cents per mile, a term not part of the contract when it was approved by the board.

Minutes from the board's Sept. 10, 2007, meeting stated board member Jerry Sparks asked "if there is anything above the $7,700" when the contract was approved.

"Ralph Walker replied that no there is not," the minutes read.

Although claims are approved by the board, Sparks took exception with Walker that the contract was changed and money was spent above the terms agreed upon by the board without its knowledge. Resler made mention of another vote, but Walker intervened and told Sparks he felt he had the authority as superintendent to negotiate.

Sparks said he understood but expressed his desire that board members be notified when their decisions are altered.

Board business

The board approved athletic director Vince Burpo to be the high school's head football coach. No change was made regarding his role as athletic director.

Board makes tax promise

The board declared by unanimous vote, minus absent member Nick Cronk, that it would bring the corporation's physical assets to the best level possible as long as it could do so without raising the property tax rate.

The original motion made by Jim Garrison was for the corporation's "academic buildings," but Paul Brown moved to amend the wording to "physical assets." Sparks seconded both motions. The board then passed the amended motion.

Board president Robert Resler said whatever the board decided to do with the building program, it was important for patrons to know they would not be asked to pay more than they do now.

Resident Shawn Ashby asked how much the board could spend without raising the rate. Walker said keeping with the current debt tax rate of 54 cents, the board could assume a $23 million loan for 20 years or an $18.5 million loan for 15 years.

Former school board member Laura Baker said the wording "physical assets" opened the door to sports facilities. Resler said that was not the intention of the board. He said there would be more to address, but there was nothing in the facility needs report about sports and a proposed multi-instructional facility was no longer part of the plan.

Curriculum added

High school principal Barry Stone's request to add building trades to the school curriculum was approved. Students will register for the class and the curriculum will be offered if enough interest is shown.

Ashby asked how many students would need to enroll for the program to be viable. Walker said 15 students would be enough, but the class could be offered twice daily for a total of 30 available spots.

Walker said the program had the potential financially to sustain itself. Enrollment in vocational studies is reimbursed by the state at a rate of $450 per student per class.

Walker said students could find plenty of work early on through flood rebuilding efforts. He said he hoped if the curriculum was successful students could build a home each year.

Resident Tom Brodar raised concern that the corporation was sued in the past for building trades construction problems. That suit, he said, ended in a no-contest settlement. Baker said she still lived in a home her son helped build years ago as part of the curriculum and still loved it.

In a separate motion, the board voted to allow a study of the feasibility of offering a television curriculum at the high school.

Walker clarified the vote was not a commitment to have a TV studio, but it would be good to know if there was interest. He said the program could help keep students' interest levels up.

"We want to find ways for kids to want to stay in school," he explained. "We want them to stay with us."

Resler said the studio's location would be determined by whether or not a building program was approved.

Leveled libraries purchased

Walker said teaching at the elementary school is heading toward more individualized instruction. A way to help children improve their reading skills is to have books available to them they can understand.

Camden principal Carol Coon said "leveled libraries" provide that resource because their books span reading levels two grades above and below each class level. She explained as an example, students in third grade would have in-class access to books suited to reading levels of firstthrough fifth-graders.

Approval was given to place a leveled library, comprised of 300 books, in each of the elementary school's 40 classrooms at a cost of $1,000 per room.

Coon said the in-class libraries would make it easier for teachers and students to find books that matched their reading abilities without having to borrow books from other grade levels. She said the books would remain in the classrooms for teaching purposes. The school's library would remain the source to check out materials.

Sparks asked about shelving for the new books. Walker said baskets would probably be purchased from a local store.

The board will hold a work session Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons.

The next regular meeting will be Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the administration office.