2005 initial reductions come to $160,137
SR budget cuts concern board members
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and increased litigation costs, were all factors cited attributing to many cuts being made at South Ripley High School for the upcoming school year.

At the May meeting the following 2005 expenditure cuts in the amount of $160,137, were announced:

· At the junior/senior high school Ken Myers, ISD supervisor, and Rose Lynn Campbell, aide, will be terminated at the end of the 2004-2005 school year.

· At the elementary school, Malena Smith and Jerilyn Lambert's teaching positions will not be filled for the 2005-2006 school year.

· The elementary assistant principal's position will not be filled until after January 1.

· Two aides at the elementary school will be eliminated after the 2004-2005 school year.

· The cafeteria insurance benefits will be moved from the General Fund to the Cafeteria Fund effective May 2005.

· All office and janitorial supplies will be cut by ten percent.

It was noted that the Athletic Department will be contributing $10,000 during the 2005-2006 school year to offset General Fund expenses related to Tyson Auditorium.

All board members were in attendance and stated concerns about staff cuts that will increase class size. President Jim Miller noted, "we are rapidly running out of positions to cut and future cuts will be more painful."

Superintendent Ted Ahaus thanked the board and SRCTA for their understanding of the budget cuts and the problems the school administration is facing. "These decisions were not easy and we are looking to the future to stabilize our financial condition by concluding the roof litigation and restoration of the State of Indiana's financial woes," he stated.

In other business:

· Kris Lafary was recommended as the junior high cheerleader sponsor.

· Kelly Sparks was recommended for the 7th grade volleyball coach position.

· The 2005-2006 high school handbook was accepted with unanimous approval.

· A maternity leave was approved for Molli Walker from August 12, through December 21, 2005.

Summer school employees will be as follows: adult custodial - Patty Harrell, Kathy Martin, John Kalb, and Troy Mohr; student summer work crew - Kristen Huss, Annette Sieverding, Courtney Snyder, Ciara McGuire, and Jared May; office helpers - Stephanie Miller (elementary)
and Sarah Bauman; computer helper - Tyler Hensley; driver education instructors - Kendall Sheets, Marlin Kohlmeier, and Steve Snyder.

Board members gave unanimous approval on the superintendent's recommendation of the following programs: At Risk, Grant (Title II), Title I, Gifted and Talented, Prime Time, ROD Special Education Cooperative, School Food and Nutrition, Southeastern Career Center, Textbook Rental, Safe and Drug Free Schools, Wilson Education Center, Southeastern Learning Center (Alternative School), and Ripley County Learning Network.

Business Manager Lana Miller told the board the corporation had
received a 2005 property tax draw of $89,447 on May 12. Board members were given a copy of the final 2005 certified budget.

Under information items, Superintendent Ahaus gave information to the board concerning a fall carnival to raise money for the school. He also shared a letter from the Indiana State Board of Education showing accreditation until 2006-2007.

Kyle Taylor was recognized as the 2005 David Deuter Memorial 5th Grade Essay State Contest winner. He was presented a certificate of recognition and a pen set from President Miller.

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

The next meet of the South Ripley Community School Corporation Board of Trustees is set for June 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the administration office.