The Delphi Community School Board of School Trustees learned about work being done to repair the high school science and business wings at a Monday night meeting. Principal Barry Stone said that the condition of the labs and equipment in both wings is not as bad as he believed they were before the defeated public vote to allow the corporation to undertake a renovation project.

"Things are in better shape than I thought they were," he said.

Stone reported new science teacher Dennis Conner has been cleaning the labs, eliminating unused or worn out equipment.

"We are going to fix the things that can be fixed and throw out those that can't," he said.

Stone said although it was thought there was no gas for any of the science laboratories, in fact the chemistry lab did have working gas. He said the gas company will visit the school to evaluate the lack of service to the other two labs, which he explained was disrupted by crushed gas lines outside of the building that were never repaired.

Stone said new faucets are being installed in both the science and business wings. An environmentalist will evaluate outdated and stored chemicals to give a cost estimate for disposal of those inappropriate to keep. Stone said the hoods are already repaired and the table tops are in good condition.

He said Conner is an experienced science teacher who is able to make competent decisions about science wing issues. Stone further advised that the new instructor wants to ensure every student has the best experience possible in his classes.

Some appliances such as ranges and refrigerators will be replaced in the business wing as needed, Stone said. New microwaves and mixers were purchased for the department two years ago with no repairs or replacements needed.

Budget and tax rates

Board members reviewed the proposed $11,076,744 budget for 2010. Superintendent Ralph Walker was granted permission to advertise it. The total amount increased from $10,823,849 in 2009 according to Walker. He said it was anticipated the final figure would be reduced by the state before approval.

Walker also reported the overall certified tax rate for the school corporation dropped from $1.85 per $100 assessed valuation in 2008 to $.895 for 2009. He said the numbers represented an approximate savings to taxpayers of $4.7 million.

"This is very good news for taxpayers," he said. "It probably doesn't get any better than that folks."

Internet wireless project

Walker announced the plan to convert the middle school campus to total wireless Internet is too expensive for the corporation to immediately fund from capital projects. Although a preliminary estimate for the conversion is $20,000, the price tab is actually closer to $40,000. Walker said the project will proceed, but not all at one time.

Reorganization meeting

2008-09 board president Robert Resler was elected for the same office for 2009-10 in a four-to-three split vote. Jerry Sparks was also nominated for president and received support for the position from Bill Trueblood and Chris Nipple.

Vice president for 2009-10 is Jim Garrison, while Sparks was elected secretary, positions both held previously.

Board meetings will be the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the corporation office. Board members will be compensated $2,000 for their service.

Appointments were: Sherry Handlin, corporation treasurer; Debbie Farrell assistant treasurer; extra-curricular treasurers - Shannel Randle, high school; Shannon Rader, middle school; Connie Brown, elementary; and Mary Lou Rude, Camden; Emerson & Manahan, legal counsel; Dan Dawson, corporation attendance and hearing officer; Resler, ISBA representative and legislative liason; Nick Cronk, DEEP committee representative; Trueblood, technology committee representative; Sparks, Nipple and Garrison, building and grounds committee; and Garrison, Nipple and Melinda Rossetter, negotiations representatives.

The next board meeting will be Aug.10 at 7 p.m.