Approval of formula cost changes for the 2007-2011 bus bid cycle was given at the regular meeting of the South Ripley Community School Corporation Board of Trustees' meeting. This was due to the rising costs of buses and emission routes.

Continuing with bus items, the board approved 12 contracts with bus owners for the 2007-2011 bid cycle. Board member Jim Samples was awarded a bus route and signed a conflict of interest statement.

April Lawson was approved to drive a third bus needed to transport students to and from the Southeastern Career Center.

Bus route #21 was approved for a 1.6 mile per day extension and was retro-active for the 2006-2007 school year.

Under personnel:
• The resignation of Rochelle Bates as special education teacher at the high school was accepted. The vacated position will be filled by Sheila Van Tassel.
• The retirement of Lois Warfield as two-hour dishwasher at the high school was accepted.
• Tom Gray’s resignation as girls’ varsity soccer coach was accepted.
• Thomas Goeft and Chris Clements were approved as co-coaches for the girls’ varsity soccer team for the 2006-2007 year.
• Barb Hensley and Terri Bodenberg were approved as fifth and sixth grade girls’ basketball coaches for the 2006-2007 year.
• Sponsors for the classes include: Jenna Smith, eighth grade; Leah Crowe, sophomore; and Belinda Mockbee, seventh grade.
• A FMLA leave was approved for Louise Sipples from August 11-28; a FMLA leave approved for Ann Klusman from August 14 through an undetermined amount of time not to exceed FMLA maximum.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus recommended the board approve a resolution to reduce the 2006 General Fund budget by $200,000. It was explained that this is necessary for funding for 2007 General Fund budget and would be reflected on Line 2 of the 2007 budget paperwork. It was further stated that the state will no longer do Line 2 reductions at budget certifications late in the year.

A standard agreement with Kovert Hawkins Architects was approved securing the company’s basic services for the school corporation in developing plans for future growth.

At the August meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Stockdale gave information on the Unified Purchasing Cooperative Agreement. He gave information on the wellness program saying frozen low fat yogurt machines would be placed in both cafeterias.

Stockdale said in an effort to better strengthen the school’s communication with parents, a Home School Newsletter will be sent monthly with helpful tips on student success. It will also be available on the website. He reported that the new pre-engineering program Project Lead The Way is doing well. It is being instructed by Wanda Pleoger. He noted that the three two-way video classes the school is sharing with Jac-Cen-Del are progressing as scheduled and everyone is working together.
Although there was a good attendance at both the elementary and high schools for the open houses, it was noted that overall enrollment was down from last year. Board President Jim Miller gave members a sheet of potential goals and indicators for several areas of the school environment to improve the school.

Approval was given for Nancy Durham, Andra Burnett, Brenda Strimple and Karen Hafft to attend the National Council of Teachers of English in Nashville, TN, November 16 and 17. Approval was also given to Eric Stauffer to take the high school band to Oxford, OH on September 16 at attend Miami University Band Day.

A special session was held September 5 with all members present with the exception of Jim Samples. A public hearing took place on the proposed 2007 budgets. No public input or questions were expressed concerning the 2007 proposed budgets. A special meeting followed at the South Ripley High School cafeteria with members discussing a potential building project.

Members attending the regular August meeting were: Chris Bradford, Robert Garcia, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller and Ralph Miller.