Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Construction bids for the construction project at South Ripley have been received and reviewed, reported South Ripley School Board president Jim Miller at the regular meeting held on Tuesday, April 22. Hal Kovert, architect, representing Kovert Hawkins, presented the report of the lowest responsible and responsive bids. Bruns-Gutzwiller was awarded the general contract; the board unanimously accepted the bid of Peck, Hannaford, and Briggs for the mechanical contract; and the bid by Glenwood Electric for the electrical contract was unanimously approved. The board authorized the architect to issue letters of intent subject to financing to each of the contractors.

In a prepared statement to the architect and contractors, board member Randy McIntosh stated, “You have been entrusted with what will be the centerpiece of this community for the next few decades. This board and this community cannot and will not tolerate any costly overruns, extensive delays, or questionable workmanship on this construction project. To you it is a job, to us it is our community.”

The board accepted the resignation of Tammy Hartman as Varsity, Reserve, and Freshman Cheer sponsor with a vote of 5-1. The resignation of Tammy Halcomb as temporary aide at South Ripley Elementary, effective the end of the 2007-2008 school year, was unanimously accepted.

Superintendent Ahaus recommended approval to employ Caroline Cumberworth, Ann Dickens, Lee Ann Huss, Deb Grigsby-Harting, Jeanne Shivers, Kristin Stone, Kris Lafary and Terri Bodenberg for the 2008 Jump Start Summer School program. The board unanimously approved the recommendation.
The board approved the recommendation to hire Kendall Sheets, Marlin Kohlmeier, and Steve Snyder for the Summer Drivers Education program. Phil King was approved as volunteer softball coach for the 2008 season.

Civil Engineering, a third year Project Lead the Way class, was approved for the 2008-2009 school year. An eleven day supplemental contract for Troy Mohr for the summer training he will attend to receive his teaching certification for this program was approved. It was noted that the Southeastern Career Center is applying on South Ripley’s behalf for a $15,000 grant to help cover costs of PLTW classes.

In other business:

* Rose Morton received permission to attend the School Transportation Association of Indiana annual meeting.

* Hoosiers Helping Our Troops received permission to use the gym to hold a fundraiser on Saturday, June 14, pending verification of appropriate insurance for the event.

* The board was presented information regarding US Department of Education for Impact Aid payments. The payments were for 2006, 2007, and 2008. A total of $102,857 was received.

* The summer work crew for the high school and the elementary school was unanimously approved.

* A thank you note from the family of Georgia Lee Centers, mother of Rae Jean Auterson was read.

* Journalism students signed a card thanking the board for the educational opportunities the field trip to the Scholastic Journalism Convention provided.

Board members present were Gil Landwehr, Keith Matthews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor. Robert Garcia was absent due to being called to active duty. The next board meeting will be held on Monday, May 19 at the administration building.