Seniors honored as Lilly Scholarship finalists
South Ripley School Board looks at finances
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Based on the Governor's proposed formula, South Ripley officials are concerned about the future budget numbers. At the regular meeting, March 28, of the South Ripley Corporation Board of Trustees, this was discussed briefly.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus noted that a more in-depth presentation about future finances and budgets would be given at the April meeting when Treasurer Lana Miller would be present.

Ahaus did note that South Ripley will lose money due to budget reductions at the state level. He said over a three-year period there was a proposal that would see the school losing $390,000. He also referred to the school's declining enrollment and said "if the proposed budget is accepted and approved, the loss in revenue is something the school will have to look at."

Seniors Erin Collier and Holly Toops were recognized as two of the eight finalists for the Lilly Scholarships. High School Principal Bill Snyder reported that Collier had been nominated for the Principals' Leadership Award, John Wooden IHSAA Centennial Scholarship and Indianapolis Star-Academic All Star. Toops was nominated for Professional Athletes Foundation, the Matt and Cleo Werner Scholarship, was named DAR Good Citizen for the school and county; and was the Voice of Democracy Speech Contest school winner.

Both students are members of the National Honor Society, are number one in their class (4.0435 GPA) and have been in the Academic Top Ten every year.

Board President Jim Miller presented the seniors with a certificate of recognition and a pen set.

Business under action items included the acceptance of a letter of retirement from Ken Sheets. He has taught for over 30 years. His retirement will be effective at the end of the 2004-05 school year.

Jeralyn Lambert gave her resignation and that will become effective at the end of this school year.

Mark Downard will be the Reserve Baseball Coach with Tom Conover, Gil Landwehr and Rodney Hyatt serving as volunteer assistants.

Bill Snyder's resignation as Head Girls' Basketball Coach left a vacancy that was filled with Steve Snyder being recommended and approved for the position for the 2005-06 school year. It was noted at the meeting that Steve Snyder has coached eighth grade boys basketball, varsity girls' track and taught English for South Ripley.

May 20, was approved as the final snow make-up day for students. They had two this year, and one was made up on February 20.

The fees will remain the same for students taking Driver's Education this year. The cost is $300.00 per student.

Assistant Superintendent Dennis Stockdale gave his report:

· The science and health textbook adoption process is close to being finalized.

· PL221 programs are being looked at and critiqued. He thanked both principals, Mark Collier at the elementary school, and Bill Snyder at the high school, for their help in this process.

· Summer remediation will be the same as last year due to the success of the program. He said there are only two students who do not yet qualify for their diplomas.

· Like most schools across the state, the ISTEP scores showed a weakness in the area of writing. That will be addressed in a proactive way before it becomes a bigger issue for the students.

· The AccuScan program for lunches is working well with more students eating lunch.

· The only addition to the handbook at the elementary school is the attendance policy. That will be voted on at the April meeting.

· A Cafeteria User's Agreement will be reviewed and then action taken.

A letter from Joyce Drubba was presented to board members about a National Junior Honor Society Chapter. According to Principal Snyder, this effort would help promote junior high students, giving them recognition and more academic structure. The idea was seen as a positive one with Jim Miller noting that junior high years are difficult and anything the school can do to make them better is a good thing.

Board member Keith Mathews reported that he had attended the recent band trip and was impressed with the students' behavior.

All action items were voted on unanimously with all members present. Members include: Chris Bradford, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, Robert Garcia, and Jim Samples. Attorney Merritt Alcorn was present to advise the board. Debra Tompkins filled in for Lana Miller, who was absent due to a death in her family.

The next regular meeting of the school board is April 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the administration office.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

South Ripley Board President Jim Miller presents Holly Toops and Erin Collier with certificates of recognition for being finalists for the Lilly Scholarship this year. Both seniors are tied for first place in their class and both have received numerous honors in their high school careers.