Enrollment down slightly from last year
Consolidation issue discussed at JCD meeting
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

At the Jac-Cen-Del School Board meeting patron Jim Westerman asked about the consolidation issue. How was the issue going to be addressed in the future between the Task Force, Jac-Cen-Del School Board and the public?

Superintendent Bill Narwold responded by saying the public will definitely have input. The Task Forces to study the issue of consolidation have only been meeting for about eight months with a consultant. The consultant is preparing for three studies: one for Jac-Cen-Del, one for South Ripley and a joint study. All meetings are open to the public.

Narwold went on to explain the legal aspects of consolidation. The first avenue is that both school boards agree to consolidate schools. The second way is to put it on the ballot and have the general public vote on the issue. They have a long way to go before either road is chosen. Consolidation means many things from sharing services to putting the two schools together. All areas are being investigated.

Mike Stephens, principal at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School, reported preliminary enrollment of 532 students for the elementary building. This is down from last year's enrollment of 543.

Students who attend Jac-Cen-Del outside the school district will have to pay $1,700 transfer tuition for the 2005-2006 school year. This is the amount of local taxes it costs to put a student through a year of school.

Melissa Bowman resigned as special education aide at the Jr. Sr. High School. Sandy Smith was approved as a corporation bus driver of Route #9 for the school year. She will be paid $16.90 an hour for four hours a day. Chad Pindell is a new second grade teacher this year.

Attorney Tim Day said he had been in contact with the State Board of Accounts regarding the Energy Savings Contract between Jac-Cen-Del and Sieman's. The State Board of Accounts advised him to amend the contract. Day is awaiting response from Sieman's.

All five board members were present: John Billman, Kathleen Dickman, Deanna Young, Charlie Hughes and Paul Hardy. Superintendent Bill Narwold and Attorney Tim Day were present to advise the board.

The next regular meeting of the Jac-Cen-Del Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, September 20, in the JCD High School Cafeteria. A special meeting will be held on September 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the JCD High School for the purpose of holding the 2006 Budget Hearing.