Snow make-up days announced for SR students
First graders give technology demonstration at South Ripley board meeting
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Mrs. Kris Lafary's first grade class gave a technology presentation to board members at the regular meeting of the South Ripley Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees held March 15, at the administrative offices in Versailles.

Sarah Ake and Patrick Courter, first graders, explained their power point project allowing the board members to view the wireless lab, smart board, digital camera and other technology. Mrs. Lafary and the students were thanked for their hard work and a certificate of recognition and pens were given to the entire class.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus recognized Todd Ault for receiving the Vocational Education Award for Excellence from the State of Indiana. He was presented a certificate of recognition and a pen set from Board President Barry Lauber.

Lauber, along with Ahaus, expressed their thanks to the players, coaches, staff, and community for their support in the boys' basketball regional recently.

Under personnel:

· Kathy Deaton was recommended by Ahaus to fill the maternity leave of Malena Smith from approximately April 5, 2004, until the end of the 2003-2004 school year. This motion was made and carried.

· Acting on the recommendation of Ahaus, the board voted 7-0 to hire Laurie Gramalgia for the aide position of Kathy Deaton from approximately April 5, 2004, until the end of the 2003-2004 school year.

· A 7-0 vote was also given to the recommendation to hire Janet Browning to fill the three hour aide position until the end of the 2003-2004 school year. This position was vacant due to the resignation of Cheryl Mathews.

· The approval of an enrichment/remediation assistant for the 2004-2005 school year was given unanimous vote. This is an expansion of the current Gifted and Talented aide position and is a non-certified position that will be 15 hours per week with no benefits.

In other business, May 24, 25, and 26, were designated as snow make-up days.

Discussion was held on the need for parking lot reconstruction and expansion at the high school. Unanimous approval was given for Ahaus to hire Howard J. Barth & Associates, Inc. to handle the reconstruction/engineering and bidding requirement for this project.

Motion was made by Dan Goris and seconded by Robert Garcia, with a 7-0 vote to approve golf fees for the 2004 golf season at the cost of $850.

Driver education fees will increase by $50 per student. The fees went from $250 to $300. The second reading of a credit card policy was also approved with a 7-0 vote.

Dennis Stockdale was approved to be the corporation's small claims representative. Stockdale gave his monthly report to the board concerning testing and curriculum.

The guaranteed contract annual savings report prepared by Siemens Building Technologies was explained by Business Manager Lana Miller. She noted that the first year stipulated savings amounted to $15,365.

A work session was held prior to the regular meeting regarding the high school parking lot reconstruction and expansion.

All board members were present for the meeting: Robert Garcia, Dan Goris, Barry Lauber, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, and Ralph Miller. Superintendent Ted Ahaus and School Attorney Merritt Alcorn were present to advise the board.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Sliding into Spring! Kirsten Murray, 5, (in front) and cousin Kaylen Whitaker, 3, enjoyed the sunshine on Tuesday of this week as they played at the Pangburn Park on Tanglewood Road in Versailles. Murray is the daughter of Shawn and Sara Murray of Versailles. Whitaker is the daughter of Russell and Rebecca Whitaker of East Enterprise.