Financial crunch causes non-renewal
Milan schools forced to lay off teachers
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

In action that Superintendent Don Swisher called "hard and sad," the recommendation that the contracts of four non-permanent teachers be non-renewed passed the Milan Community School Corporation's board of trustees unanimously.

Meeting in special session on Monday, April 25, at 6:00 p.m., Board President David Voss and members Edward Amberger, Stephanie Baker, Anita Pitts, and Charles Rohlfing agreed to "non-renew the teaching contracts at the end of the current school year for Tara Obermeyer, Judy White, Angela Volz, and Tara Ward."

To explain the necessity of the elimination of the four non-permanent teachers, Superintendent Swisher said the events of the financial status of the state made the action necessary. He noted that nothing wrong had been done on any individual's part and that all involved were excellent staff members, whose abilities he would be glad to confirm
to any potential employer.

At the regular meeting of the school board at 7:00 p.m., all five board members expressed regret that the lack of funding made the elimination of teaching positions necessary. Board Member Rohlfing said although the actions were difficult to endure, the corporation could not run a deficit, the budget had to be balanced, but the teachers whose contracts could not be renewed would be missed.

In other business during the
April meeting, the board approved Transportation Director Andrew Jackson's recommendation to purchase a 2006 Thomas C2 in stock bus from Kerlin Bus Sales at a price of $60,592. From the bids submitted by three companies, Jackson felt the choice of the 2006 Thomas C2 was in the best interest of the corporation.

Board members also approved seven field trips, including two special education field trips to the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati and to the Cincinnati Zoo. Second grade
teachers were approved to take their 110 students to the Krohn Conservatory for the Butterfly Show on May 13; and the German Club will travel to Jungle Jim's and a Cincinnati Reds game on May 21.

Also, 30 members of SADD and Sponsor Appie Thompson will visit Kings Island on May 31; Steve Gutzwiller will take 14 members of the Advanced Chemistry Class to Wyandotte Caves on May 9; and the Destination Imagination teams will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, for competition from May 25-29.

A fund-raising request from Band Director Stefani Bedel for the annual magazine drive from August 30 through September 9 received unanimous approval. Bedel noted the money helps to fund the annual band tour.

Board members also approved the adoptions as recommended of elementary and high school science books and the lease agreements with the Milan Park Board for rent of the soccer field and the softball field for the present seasons.

Positions approved for advertising included a summer band instructor, Jumpstart for grades 1-8 from August 1-12; and an Algebra I instructor for grades 9-12 from June 6 until July 1. According to Superintendent Swisher, the summer school classes have been shortened due to the limited funds available.

Under old business, Elementary Principal Jane Rogers updated the board on the near completion of the swimming pool project.

Board Member Rohlfing was designated to assist in reviewing and restructuring the corporation handbook, a project that the superintendent believes will take at least six months.
Upon recommendation of High School Principal Michael Parks, the board agreed to employ Douglas Arthur to serve as agriculture teacher during Mrs. Anita Boggs' maternity leave.

Highlights of the National School Board Association meeting in San Diego, California, presented by Pitts, Baker, and Voss, who noted most of the states across the country are in financial difficulties.

Presentations at the beginning of the board meeting included Athletic Director Marty Layden's presentation of plaques for the winter sports "Student Athletes of the Month." He also awarded the winter sports "J. Martin Layden Award" for the fourth consecutive year to the girls' varsity basketball team with an overall average 3.46 GPA.

Mrs. Joan Kennett, representing the high school science department, presented Jeff Byard, Amanda Franklin, and Rebecca Jackson, who displayed projects they had completed in the Earth/Space Science Class.

Mrs. Stephanie Siemer showed a videotape of the award-winning teams in the state's Destination Imagination competition. Two teams will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, from May 25 till May 29 to compete in the global tournament.