Wanda English Burnett - Editor

At the November meeting of the South Ripley Board of Trustees Gil Landwehr was approved to fill the remainder of the term left by Chris Bradford. With a unanimous vote, Landwehr was the choice from five candidates who applied for the position. School Attorney Merritt Alcorn administered the oath of office to Landwehr.

Under personnel Antoinette Diem was recommended as bus driver effective November 20. The resignation of Karen Cole as a teacher’s aide will be effective December 19.

Six family medical leave requests were made. They were for: Bonnie Miller, retroactive from October 24-27; Cathy Finney, from November 3 for 12 weeks (unless released from her doctor earlier); Dianna Smith, retroactive from November 6-10; April Lawson, retroactive from November 9 through December 15; Peggy Wagner, from November 16-December 29; and Vernice Stratton from December 12 for six weeks (unless released from her doctor). This recommendation was approved with a 6-0 vote, with one abstention.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus recommended approval of a resolution to transfer $150,000 to the Rainy Day Fund. The fund was established on April 15, 2005, for the purpose of severance and retirement obligations for certified and non-certified staff. It was noted that the transfer monies will come from Capital Projects, Bus Replacement fund, and the Transportation Fund. This motion carried with unanimous approval.

Patron Lori Draeving addressed the board asking them to consider having archery included in South Ripley’s physical education curriculum. Jennings County Conservation Officer Bill Beville was present to explain how Jennings County Schools had implemented the program into their curriculum.
The 7th and 8th grade teachers gave a presentation on junior high team teaching. They covered their accomplishments and future plans. Teachers present for the presentation included: Kendall Sheets, Belinda Mockbee, Nicholas Paulin, Kim McCane, Brenda Slaton and Andra Burnett.

Superintendent Ahaus gave information on the property, liability, automobile and worker’s compensation annual renewal. The annual cost is $123,815. This is decrease of $8,203 from last year’s premium. Indiana Insurance is the carrier.

A public work session will be held December 8 at 6:00 p.m. regarding the future building project.
A letter was received from LifeTime Housing regarding the future use of the Tyson Gymnasium. LifeTime Housing’s letter stated they are not interested in reducing the current $26,000 annual lease. South Ripley now pays the $26,000 lease plus all utilities, repairs, and janitorial costs involved. June 30, 2007, will be the end of the lease period unless a new agreement can be met. Superintendent Ahaus noted that a decision needs to be made early in 2007 so future arrangements can be made.
School Attorney Merritt Alcorn gave an update on the bus that was completely destroyed by fire earlier this year. He said he is attempting connections with the manufacturer of the bus, Freightliner, in regards to a complete bus replacement.

It was noted that Milan had recently hired a new Speech Language Pathology Assistant to replace Nancy Deuser who resigned. Ms. Jamie Mays will continue to be at South Ripley Elementary for three days a week.

The December 18 board meeting will be bumped up to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the holiday schedule.

The board recognized senior student Tyler Hensley for being chosen as DAR Good Citizen for South Ripley. Board President Jim Miller gave him a certificate of recognition, a pen set, and a Raider sticker.

All members were present at the meeting: Robert Garcia, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, and Jim Samples.