Summer school to be advertised
Milan School Board approves handbook
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

In a 32-minute session, Milan School Board President Stephanie Baker covered lease agreements, field trip requests, high school handbook approval, extracurricular appointments, summer school, and several other agenda items at the Monday, March 15, meeting of the board.

Superintendent Donald Swisher updated board members Edward (Ted) Amberger, Anita Pitts, Charles Rohlfing, David Voss, and Baker on bids for insurance. Since the last board meeting, four companies have picked up insurance specs. "I would anticipate we would have more than one bid," the superintendent said.

Board Member Voss moved approval of the high school handbook with the addition of "conspiring to break a rule" to Item #23:of school rules. With a second by Pitts, the board voted 5-0 in favor.

Lease agreements approved by the board included a revision in the Ripley County Red Cross Chapter's dates for using the Milan Elementary swimming pool. The new dates are May 10, 14, and 17, when the pool will be used for life guard instruction.

The board also approved a request from "Born Again" to use the Milan High School Cafetorium for a gospel sing on Saturday, May 1, from 3:00 till 10:00 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Milan Community Park.

Field trips given unanimous approval were the elementary school's PRIDE students' reward trip on St. Patrick's Day to the Colerain Bowl in Cincinnati and the German Club's visit to Servatif German Bakery and a Cincinnati Reds' baseball game on Saturday, April 10.

The PTO Spring Carnival for Milan Elementary School received approval for Friday, April 30, from 5:00 till 8:00 p.m.

Concerning the newly proposed controlled substance policy for CDL drivers, Superintendent Swisher and Transportation Director Andrew Jackson explained that the Indiana State

Police had suggested including the revision in the policy to avoid any problems if federal officials audit the DOT books.

Superintendent Swisher said that bus drivers are among the most stringently monitored personnel in education. Transportation Director Jackson said the policy is basically the same as the one approved in 1996, but in more detail and with training materials as part of the policy.

Jackson also noted that since he holds a CDL and is on the random drug test list, Transportation Secretary Susan Dudgeon will be the designated person to receive information from Midwest Toxicology, the drug testing company. Board members approved the policy 5-0.

In requesting permission to advertise summer school, Superintendent Swisher named math, language arts, and fitness as possible offerings for grades five through nine. Most math classes are 100% reimbursable from the state, and some other classes might receive 50 to 60% reimbursement. Pitts said she would like to see other subjects added: social studies and science, for example.

Swisher responded that due to limited funding not all classes could be offered, but he would advertise all those mentioned and take the ones with highest enrollments. Pitts moved and Rohlfing seconded to advertise summer school. The vote was 5-0.

In the superintendent's report, Swisher said the corporation had received thank you letters from the Ortt family for having Isabelle read her story at the February meeting and from four of the graduates who had received remuneration from the Academic Honors Diploma. Those who wrote were Kevin Bishop, Justin Caudill, Amber Haugh, and Nick Noel.

Extracurricular positions recommended by Athletic Director Marty Layden and approved unanimously were Michael Myers for middle school boys' track coach; Ryan Langferman and Kent Lockwood as boys' varsity golf coaches.

Langferman would be the designated head coach in charge of transporting, record keeping, and every day responsibilities.

Lockwood will work with team members on fundamentals and ways to improve their game.

Tara Mauer was appointed to fill the maternity leave of Mrs. Amy Ralston in the Milan Middle School from March 29 to April 26 and the maternity leave of Kristen Clark in May.

During the claims and financial report, Superintendent Swisher said the corporation is still waiting for 40% of the school's share of the excise and property tax funds. "Thanks to taxpayers who paid early," said the superintendent. "They got us through a bad time."

Under patrons' concerns at the beginning of the meeting, Board Member Pitts presented each of the school principals: Michael Parks, Connie Nobbe, and Jane Rogers with a social studies disc from Mr. Jim Huff, who recently moved into the community and is a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

The discs contain information on American heritage and are available to teachers free of charge. Principals are to check with their teachers to see which of them would like copies of the discs.

Prior to adjournment the superintendent thanked staff members and custodians who had contributed to the success of Milan's hosting of the sectional tournament.

Board Member Amberger added that he thought Milan had done a really good job in handling the sectional crowds.

Other board members thanked those in the audience, the administrators, patrons, and students. Pitts reminded those in attendance that with the end of the school year in sight, "it's time to sprint."

A motion to adjourn ended the meeting at 7:32 p.m.