Milan School Board swears in new members
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

At a special meeting, preceding the regular meeting, of the Milan School Board held on Monday, July 10, school attorney Larry Eaton issued the oath of office to new members Randy Kirk, Timothy Tuttle and Gregory Lewis. The floor was then opened for nomination of officers. Timothy Tuttle made a motion nominating David Voss as president which was seconded by Randy Kirk. The motion carried 4-0 with Voss abstaining. Randy Kirk then nominated Edward Amberger as vice-president, seconded by Timothy Tuttle. The motion carried 4-0 with Amberger abstaining. Edward Amberger nominated Timothy Tuttle as secretary, seconded by Gregory Lewis. Motion carried 4-0 with Tuttle abstaining.

Edward Amberger motioned to approve the following appointments:
* Gretchen Berger - Corporation Treasurer
* Susan Dudgeon - Deputy Treasurer
* Superintendent Andrew Jackson - Career Center Representative, Wilson Education Center Representative and R.O.D. Representative
* Timothy Tuttle - ISBA Legislative Representative
* Larry Eaton - Corporation Attorney
* Officers of the Board - Board of Finance.
Motion was seconded by Timothy Tuttle and carried 5-0.

Edward Amberger then motioned to approve participation in the following: At Risk, Block Grant - Chapter II, Title I, Gifted and Talented, Prime Time, R.O.D. Special Education Cooperative, School Food and Nutrition Program, Southeastern Career Center, Southeastern Learning Center, Textbook Rental Program, Wilson Education Center, Indiana Virtual Academy (formerly Ripley County Learning Network), Southeastern Indiana Schools Study Council, and Southeastern Indiana School Insurance Consortium. The motion also included using the Osgood Journal and the Versailles Republican as the designated newspapers for advertisements. Motion was seconded by Timothy Tuttle and carried 5-0.
The regular meeting of the school board was called to order immediately following the special session.
Lawn care services for 2007-08, to be provided by Pro Green Lawn Service, was voted on and approved. A motion to purchase a new outdoor freezer unit for the high school from Jim’s Refrigeration also was approved. On the recommendation of Superintendent Jackson and approved by the board, reimbursement for mileage will be raised from $.28 to $.35 per mile.

Jackson presented the board with category placement information on Milan schools. Milan Elementary School was categorized as making exemplary progress, Milan Middle School - academic growth and Milan High School - academic watch. Jackson stated that he will provide more information at a later date.

In personnel matters:
* Brianna Kovacich was approved as a special education teacher replacing Rodney Sapp.
* Resignation of Michael Myers as the freshman boys’ basketball coach was approved.
* Resignation of Karen Custer as a corporation bus driver was approved.
* Sandy Smith was approved to replace Karen Custer as bus driver on Route #1.
* Recommendation for Sheri Cunningham as school spell bowl coach was approved.
* Deanna “LaJo" Dunbar was approved as a special education instructional assistant replacing Ryan Hixson.

Finally, upon the recommendation of Principal Nobbe, the board approved Teresa George as middle school assistant principal. George will be on a 205-day contract at a salary of $61,000 plus administrative fringe benefit package.

Superintendent Jackson and the board thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and congratulated Mrs. George and Ms. Kovacich on their new positions.