South Ripley board approves residence policy
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

The second reading of the resident policy for school board members received unanimous approval at the Monday, August 16, meeting of the South Ripley Community School Corporation Board of Trustees.

Brought to the attention of the board several months ago by Board Member Robert Garcia, the policy had its first reading at the July 19 meeting. Garcia had researched and found the local policy was not consistent with state statute.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus also received authority to advertise the 2005 budget with proposed dates and timelines.

Board Members Barry Lauber, president; Robert Garcia, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, and Ralph Miller met in a budget work session prior to the meeting. Board Member Dan Goris was absent for Monday's meetings.

In other business, the board approved a trip request from Band Director Eric Stauffer for the high school band to perform at Miami University on Saturday, September 18.

They also agreed to increase the price charged for meals that the school cafeteria provides to Headstart (SIEOC) from $2.50 to $2.75 effective for the 2004-2005 school year.

The following personnel items received unanimous approval:

* A maternity leave for High School English Teacher Julie Vankirk from January 7, 2005, until March 28, 2005;

* The resignation of Nicole Kaiser as elementary special education teacher effective July 20;

* The employment of Terri Bodenberg as special education teacher to replace Kaiser;

* The employment of James Rosebrock for a three-and-one-half hour bus driver;

* The employment of Laurie Gramaglia for a three-hour special education aide position;

* The employment of April Lawson as a two-hour special education aide;

* The employment of Gail Snyder as a special education aide in a new position funded by ROD;

* The employment of Jenna Smith as special education teacher at the high school;

* Extra-curricular positions for Steve Snyder as eighth grade boys' basketball coach and girls' varsity track coach; Robbie Everage as a volunteer coach for soccer and Jason Gambrel as a volunteer coach for basketball;

* The employment of Ann Klusman for a three-and-one-half hour bus driver position.

Under information items, Dennis Stockdale, assistant to the superintendent, informed the board about the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.

Superintendent Ahaus announced dates for the ISBA Fall Conference and congratulated Barry Lauber, who will be inducted as president of the Indiana School Board's Association.

The superintendent also informed the board he has submitted an appli
cation to the Tyson Fund for an electric sign for the front of the junior-senior high school.

He discussed procedure received from Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel's office concerning school searches with canines. According to Superintendent Ahaus, these steps must be followed in order for prosecution of student offenders to take place.

After reviewing the document, School Attorney Merritt Alcorn said this was a step in the right direction so that everyone understands the procedure that will be followed.

An executive session followed the regular session regarding lease/rental of real property, pending litigation, and personnel.