With the completion of their Reorganization Meeting, Edon Northwest Local Board of Education convened for its first regular monthly session of 2014 in the school’s Media Center. President Brad McCrea called the meeting to order with newly-elected members ~ Jamie Schaffter, Aaron Hake, Dave Wehrle ~ and returning board member Dave Haase in attendance.
In addition to addressing routine items that evening, administrators highlighted their January Reports to the Board as well:
Treasurer Kerry Samples
• Shared current General Fund revenues and expenditures coincide with the approved Five Year Forecast; the District continues its deficit-spending trend.
• Noted real estate valuations from the County Auditor reflected an .87 percent increase from last year (County average was up .6 percent); changes were from new construction or destruction of existing property. The slight “boost” in valuations will help increase the District’s inside millage.
• Submitted his standard SM2 Report indicating revenues were down eighty-four thousand dollars and expenses up one hundred six thousand dollars for the same six-month period as last year. The District is tracking one hundred ninety thousand dollars worse than a year ago. (Revenue does not reflect Edgerton’s first six-month Shared Service Agreement payment of approximately fifty-four thousand dollars; tracking figures would be more realistic with its inclusion.)
Grades 7-12 Principal Anthony Stevens
• Shared current enrollment for grades 7-12 totaled two hundred fifty-seven students; twenty-three attend Four County Career Center, thirty-five are open enrolled, forty-nine are on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and twelve on 504 Plans.
• Presented the Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO) as listed in the 2013 Gap Closing Report for Edon High School. Three Subgroups (tested for proficiency in subject areas) scored above the State’s goal to earn 100 Reading points, 66.7 Math points and 100 Graduation Rate Points. The District achieved an AMO Final Score of 88.9 or a letter grade of B (cutoff for an A was 90.0). AMO replaces AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) on the annual State Report Card.
Grades KK-6 Principal Bonnie Troyer
• Shared elementary school numbers were regretfully down two students; an enrollment history and trends of the elementary school was also provided to members.
• Noted fifteen percent of District elementary students are on an IEP (Individual Education Plan).
• Submitted for perusal, information on the Mobile Dentist program as well as her weekly agenda; due to the shortened month of December, reports outlining principal, teacher, student and parent activities will start again in February.
Superintendent Ed Ewers
• Commended the custodial and maintenance staff for their efforts during the recent winter weather mayhem; employees worked tirelessly to keep campus driveways, lots, etc. open and cleared for staff and students when classes finally resumed. Additionally, he recognized all the village, township, county and state workers for the numerous hours they put into maintaining area streets and roads as well.
• Noted Straight A Fund grant funds were awarded last month; as a member of the sixteen-district consortium submitting the application, Edon Northwest will receive one hundred sixty-eight thousand dollars. Monies (to be spent by June 30, 2014), will be used for technology and additional “virtual education” opportunities.
In other action, the Board:
• Approved the following amendments to the 2013-2014 School Calendar: End of First Semester (January 17); Make Up Date (February 17); End of Third Quarter (March 21); Last Day for Seniors (May 23); Last Student Day (May 29); Last Teacher Day (May 30) and additional Make Up Dates (May 30, June 2, June 3).
• Accepted Cash Donations during December from Edon Music Boosters ($452.52 for choir uniforms); Box Tops for Education ($581.60 apiece to Elementary and High School Principal Funds); Edon Lions Club ($200 for Class of 2014 STAR seminar); Various Businesses/Individuals ($500 for FFA T-shirts) and Anonymous ($120 towards High School Choir trip to Cleveland).
• Approved the contract with OSBA (Ohio School Boards Association) for policy revisions.
• Approved Ohio School Boards Association annual Membership Dues ($2730), School Management News ($190) and Briefcase Subscription ($130); fees unchanged from 2013.
• Approved the contract to join the Straight A Fund consortium with Fayette Local Schools and fifteen other school districts to receive Straight A Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2014; Fayette Local Schools will serve as administrators and fiscal agents for grant funds.
• Accepted, with regret, Christina Parrish’s resignation as Varsity/JV Volleyball Co-Coach effective immediately.
• Accepted, with regret, Staci Dye’s resignation as Food Service Cashier effective January 24, 2014.
• Approved 2013-2014 contracts with Paul Ledyard (Sub Cook and Custodian – dishwasher) and Sue LaDuke (Classroom Aide).
• Approved minutes from last month’s regular meeting held December 10, 2013 as well as December Financial Reports, Permanent Appropriation Increases/Decreases for FY 2014 and the Amended Certificate of Estimated Resources for FY 2014.
The Edon Northwest Local Board of Education will next meet Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in the school’s Media Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.