SR board approves tentative agreement with teachers
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

At the regular meeting of the South Ripley Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees held May 17, Superintendent Ted Ahaus recommended approval of the two-year tentative agreement between the board and the classroom teacher's association. This would increase salaries as follows: 2003-2004 contract 2.3% on salary and .2% on health insurance. For the 2004-2005 year contract, it would be 2.0% salary and .8% for health insurance. This recommendation met with unanimous approval from the board.

Under personnel items:

· Kathy Deaton was recommended as elementary teacher to fill the vacancy of Amy Linkel effective August 12, 2004.

· Sarah Smith was recommended as elementary teacher to fill the vacancy of Roxanne Meyer effective August 12, 2004.

· The recommendation was given for the 2004 elementary jump start program and teachers to run from August 2 through August 6.

· Motion was made to seek approval for the Jr. Sr. High School sum
mer remediation program and teachers.

· Recommendation to approve summer school bus drivers was presented.

· The request for a FMLA leave for Molli Walker was tabled due to uncertainty of leave dates.

· The approval of a FMLA leave for Anne Poling from April 27, until June 3, 2004 was granted with unanimous approval as were all of the recommendations under personnel.

Board members Dan Goris, Randy McIntosh and Ralph Miller consented to serve on the Administrative and Non-Certified Salary/Benefits Committee.

The recommendation that the corporation continue participation in programs presented met with approval with the addition of The Ripley County Drug Court.

Changes recommended for the 2004-2005 school calendar include eliminating the October 21, half-day in-service and adding that half-day to the January 3, records day, making that a full day. It was noted that the change will have no effect on students and calendars will be redistributed to the staff.

The elementary handbook was approved for 2004-2005 with recommended changes from last month's meeting. There were no changes to the high school's handbook.

Superintendent Ahaus recognized elementary student Amanda Fox for receiving best of category at the state media fair contest. Board President Barry Lauber presented her a certificate of recognition, pen, and Raider sticker.

Ahaus invited board members to attend the end of school luncheon and noted that graduation was set for May 29.

Business Manager Lana Miller reported on the lack of certification of the 2004 budget saying it is likely that 2004 will not be certified before preparation begins on the 2005 budget.

Present at the meeting were Robert Garcia, Dan Goris, Barry Lauber, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller and Ralph Miller.