TREASURERS REPORT The deficit of $897000 seen this year highly affects the five year financial forecast presented by Treasurer Eric Smeltzer and lengthy discussion was held on how to get the process started so that voters see an opportunity to vote on whether or not there will be an increase in taxes to compensate for this deficit
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The North Central Board of Education met for their regular October meeting on the 17th at 6 p.m.
Members Katie Burt, Anthony Burnett, Tim Livengood, and Shane Martin were present, as were Superintendent Michael Bute, Treasurer Eric Smeltzer, Principal Andy Morr, Principal Greg Puthoff, and Special Education Director Brent Saneholtz.
After roll call and the pledge of allegiance, the board heard from James Singer, who addressed the board regarding their cell phone policy.
He shared five parameters that outline how the current cell phone policy could be approved upon. Mr. Singer highlighted that plans change throughout the day, and responsible cell phone use between class and other non-instructional times would allow for responsible communication between students and those involved in their lives outside of North Central.
He then shared that the current wording employed within the cell phone use policy allows for loopholes to be exploited by students with more advanced devices -like cell phone linked smartwatches- and argued that these loopholes should be closed in so that the policy is equal to all students.
He then stated that the current cell phone policy could benefit from allowing more discretion on the end of teachers and administration for appropriate, non-disruptive use during non-instructional times.
He then noted that there should be specific language within the policy that forbids cell phone use during instructional time, so that both teachers and students can be held responsible by administration for their mindfulness of cell phone usage.
His fifth and final highlight was that the school should allow for low-volume, non-disruptive headphone / earbud use during non-instructional times.
After that, the board accepted Treasurer Eric Smeltzer’s report as presented, including the minutes from the September meeting, September’s financial statements, a $250 donation from the Reading Chamber of Commerce, and information on the attendance to the Capitol Conference and Trade Show in Columbus by Mr. Bute, Mrs. Burt, and Mr. Livengood.
Also accepted was the five-year financial forecast, where it was brought up that the school came in at a deficit of $897,000.
A lengthy discussion was then held on whether or not a resolution should be prepared to put an increase in school funding on the ballot for November.
A resolution would need to be passed pretty soon to make it in time for the election, and there are a lot of semantics to go through, but it may be that the Pioneer area will vote on whether or not taxes are going to be raised to compensate for this deficit.
Superintendent Bute shared his thanks for first responders and their response to the injury of four students on Friday, as well as to the Reading Chamber of Commerce for their continued support.
He then led discussion on ‘responding rather than reacting’ as part of the culture play book he is implementing.
The administrative reports from Principal Andy Morr, Principal Greg Puthoff, and Special Education Director Brent Saneholtz were accepted as presented.
Mr. Morr shared that the popcorn fundraiser is complete and thanked the community for their participation.
Eagle Hero themes and lessons have been going well with staff and students, with this month’s theme being “push pause.”
The 3rd grade visit to the fire station during Fire Prevention Week was a success, and the elementary school was hard at work preparing for parent / teacher conferences on the 18th and 23rd of October.
Friday November 10 will see a Veterans’ Day program at 1:45 p.m. that Principal Morr would like everyone to attend.
Principal Puthoff shared that teachers and students are preparing for first quarter grades to be due on October 18, as well as how successful the Homecoming Parade and Band / Choir concert were.
The seniors are going to Cedar Point at the end of October, with plans in the works for two more trips before the year ends.
Get well cards were made for the four students involved in Friday’s accident, with the whole school wishing them a speedy recovery.
The Quiz Bowl team has started competing on Wednesdays and will see a tournament in a few weeks.
Special Education Director Brent Saneholtz shared that the professional development day this Friday will be for dyslexia and phonics training, and the school counselor has been hard at work supporting students with special needs.
Further curriculum will be established at the next professional development day. Superintendent Bute’s recommendations were approved as presented, as were employment and resignation recommendations.
The North Central Board of Education then voted to adjourn at 6:40 p.m., set to meet next on November 21, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com