Wanda English Burnett, Editor

School will start on time for South Ripley students. That announcement was made at the South Ripley School Board meeting held Monday, July 21. “Contrary to rumors we will be starting on time,” noted Superintendent Ted Ahaus. That date for students is August 13, with teachers reporting on August 11.
There have been some delays with the construction project due to the wet spring. However, architect Hal Kovert of KovertHawkins architects, the firm hired to oversee the $17 million addition and renovation project, reported that they are only about three weeks behind schedule. That will not affect the start time for students in the fall.

In a prepared report, Kovert said, “At this time, everything is tracking with the outlined schedule except for the gymnasium. We are in excellent shape with Phase I and are right on target there.” He went on to say that some things that weren’t scheduled for construction in the courtyard area until 2009, have been accomplished already.

While the wet weather caused a delay, the building pad for the area and the parking lot is now complete. Kovert went on to say that all the construction personnel are aware that the school is anxious to complete the project and said they are striving to make up the time wherever possible.

In the architect’s summary it was noted that Bruns-Gutzwiller has done an excellent job in scheduling the project. The local company was given much praise, along with the other two contractors, Peck Hannaford and Briggs and Glennwood Electric. “The entire team of all contractors have really cooperated and are working well together,” noted Kovert. Superintendent Ahaus told the board, “All the contractors have been great to work with.”

An Open House for the high school has been set for August 14 from 5-7 p.m. Although people will have to navigate the construction, Principal Bob Meyer said they will have tents set up on the front lawn.
Milk and meal prices for students at both the elementary and jr./sr. high school this year have increased. While the increases are not significant, they were necessary according to Ahaus, who said both fuel and food prices have gone up for the corporation as well. Extra milk will now cost 35-cents, a five-cent increase from last year. Elementary students can purchase lunch for $1.85, a dime increase from last year. Junior and senior high students will now be paying $2.10, just a dime more than last year. Breakfast for all students is $1.25, also up a dime.

Another change at South Ripley this year will be the board’s unanimous decision to not accept any new transfer students for the year. Two reasons were cited for this decision. One, with the building project, they felt added students would not be good. Two, the funding for these students from the state is unclear at this point.

In other business:

• The board voted to accept the Coca Cola proposal, saying it met the guidelines of the state and was by far the best of the two given, the other being from Pepsi.

• The August date for the board to meet has been changed. They will meet August 11, instead of the regular third Monday of the month.

• A list of extracurricular personnel, including coaches, club and organization sponsors, as recommended by the principals was given the unanimous nod from the board. Also approved was the acceptance of the resignation of Rodney Hite, social studies teacher and Ann Klusman, corporation bus driver. The board approved the hiring of Julia Heidlage as the High Ability Resource aide. They also approved the creation of a support position at the jr./sr. high school. This will be a non certified special education resource person.

• Lana Miller gave the financial report noting that next year the budget will see major cuts due to state mandates. She said to plan on a much smaller capitol projects budget for 2009.

• It was noted that several teachers have been attending various conferences and seminars honing their skills. Both principals, Mark Collier and Bob Meyer said the teachers were “getting better prepared for the school year ahead.”

• The first reading was heard on the smoking policy for the schools. The current policy will be revised to read that the campus areas are completely tobacco free, meaning people can not smoke at an outdoor event, such as a game.

Board members in attendance included Gil Landwehr, Tim Taylor, Ralph Miller, Randy McIntosh and Jim Miller. Superintendent Ahaus, along with Assistant Superintendent John Mehrle, and Business Manager Lana Miller were also present.