By: Jennifer Ellison
The Swanton school board met for their regular meeting on May 19th 2021 at 6:30 PM.
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting began with Treasurer Joyce Kinsman calling roll. Councilman Ben Remer was absent.
Public concerns were heard by the council, during which concern over the inequal distribution of concession stand duties and resulting funds was brought up. The issue of taking over concession stand by the football team presents the possibility of fewer funds for the band, meaning fewer resources and enrichment programs.
-The interest rates are in a stagnant and downward trend.
-The brokerage investments are coming up for majority and are ready to be reinvested for a lower rate in the coming years.
Motion to approved items mentioned in 2A was approved. One member abstained; motion was carried.
Motion to approve item 2B was approved.
New Business was presented by Treasurer Joyce Kinsman:
-Began with the general fund: for the fiscal year 21, and real estate taxes have increased. Coronavirus relief funds were received by the school district, but only count as one-time funds. The esser 2 and esser 3 funds are to be discussed at a later date. From year 2016 to 2021, the revenue has seen a steady increase. January saw a brief funding increase.
A premium holiday for health insurance will not be taken in 2021.
All employees are paying 10% in taxes for health insurance and a salary increase, with 5% rates for health insurance secured for next year. The 5% amount is the desired amount to remain at with flat revenue for the foreseeable future. Two teacher slots were relinquished after attrition.
Motion to approve five-year forecast was cleared to proceed.
Superintendent Chris Lake spoke about the two COVID-19 vaccination clinics hosted by the school, which were very successful and the health department was very pleased with.
However, vaccinations have stagnated with only 44% of the vaccination having been vaccinated, leading to clinics being set up within easy reach for the community. 85 doses were given during the duration last Friday, with 64 being second doses, 21 first doses and 14 doses within the 12-14 age group. They will return in June to do the second-round doses. Updates will continue to be sent out to the community. The typical vaccine presented is the two dose Phizer vaccine.
The issue of the concession stands was brought up again, wherein the band boosters gave up the concession stand duties as a result of concerns over Covid and the safety of kids and parents. A significant source of fundraising revenue comes from the concessions.
The general funding covering the band and its needs total up to $4,800. The athletic fund supplying the football team’s supplies totals $20,000.
The council voted on item B, approval of a roofing contract with Technique Roofing, of St. Henry, Ohio. The current roof has developed leaks and sustained damage from firework embers landing on it.
Item C: the renewal of the yearly contract with LEAP.
Item D: Annual membership renewal with the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Item E: Sixth grade camp, which was in the spring this year and will go back to the fall next year 2022. August 30th – September 3rd.
Item F: SHS Course Updates
Item G: The replacement of village water meters which gather information via radio; a corresponding receiver was installed in the park with a repeated installed in the stadium. Will cost $100 per year for the repeater’s usage.
Item H: Monthly personnel-includes two teacher resignations.
B-H were voted on by the council, motion to proceed was approved.
The meeting was adjourned, and the next board meeting will be held June 23rd at 6:30 PM.
Jennifer can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com