LifeTime gives final offer to SR Corporation
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Information concerning the leasing of Tyson Auditorium from LifeTime Housing Group was shared with those in attendance at the Monday, September 20, South Ripley School Corporation meeting.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus stated that South Ripley officials and representatives of LifeTime Housing Group have met a number of times over the past year to try to reach an agreement on the extended use of the auditorium by the school corporation. He noted that in the most recent meeting officials from LifeTime gave their final offer with two proposals:

· Maintain a third year of the existing agreement at the current lease of $25,000 and discontinue use of Tyson Auditorium upon expiration of the current lease agreement on July 22, 2005;

· A new three-year agreement which would include an annual lease of $26,000. All additional expenses, including utilities and repairs, would become the responsibility of the South Ripley Community School Corporation. All use of Tyson Auditorium by the corporation would cease June 30, 2007.

Ahaus noted that a recommendation could be made as early as next month's meeting (October), on the proposals given by LifeTime. He further indicated that LifeTime Housing Group representatives have "made it clear from the onset of discussions, that the use of Tyson Auditorium as a basketball facility is not conducive to their mission in regards to senior housing."

Under personnel, board members unanimously voted that Laurie
Gramaglia be hired as a three-hour special education aide in the elementary school. "Prep for Success" teachers for the elementary school were approved.

In other business:

· Unanimous approval was given for the adoption of the 2005 General, Debt Service, Capital Projects, Transportation Operating, Bus Replacement, and Preschool Special Education Funds levies and rates.

· Approval was given for the adoption of the three-year Capital Projects plan and to publish the board adoption.

· The recommendation of the ten-year school bus replacement plan met with unanimous approval.

· Approval was given to advertise for bids for corporation property, workers' compensation, vehicle and liability insurance.
The Advanced Journalism Class was given the nod to attend the 2004 IHSPA State Convention at Franklin College October 14, and 15. Student Council members were also given approval to attend the Indiana Association of Student Council from November 5-7. The Children Evangelical Fellowship (CEF) was given approval to use the elementary cafeteria for a banquet on November 18.

Superintendent Ahaus told board members that $92,672 was received from Impact Aide for the final payment for the 2002 grant cycle.

Enrollment at South Ripley is down 69.5 students from last year, according to figures released at the meeting. The total enrollment for this year is 1,272 students.

The first reading was heard on an amended Home School Admission Policy. The changes include
home school students taking ISTEP tests.

Members heard about a request from the County Council for help in funding the School Resource Officer position for 2005.

An update was given on the high school paving project with Superintendent Ahaus noting that the new parking facility "has improved safety for the students."

Board members were informed about a grant from the Tyson Fund for $20,000, that will see a new electronic sign installed at the high school.

School board members attending the September meeting were: Robert Garcia, Barry Lauber, Keith Mathews, Jim Miller, Randy McIntosh, and Ralph Miller. Dan Goris was absent. Superintendent Ted Ahaus and School Attorney Merritt Alcorn were in attendance.