Milan School Board hears about funding cuts
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

The Board of School Trustees of the Milan Community School Corporation met in regular session on Monday, March 20. All members, with the exception of Anthony Veldhaus, were present.

Superintendent Donald Swisher reported on the recently received state budget order. He stated there is a decrease in state funding, and if the trend continues, it could result in a drastic cut, up to 20% in services in four to five years. He commented, "Imagine what our schools would look like with that kind of cut in staffing." He noted that the state expects the county and town governments to make up the difference. Therefore, the tax rate has increased from 1.5487 to 1.6888 in the last year. He concluded that the state continues to reduce its support to schools, and added, "We will somehow have to make it work with less money."

Board member Anita Pitts noted that the lack of state funding has affected the adult education field. David Voss said that Superintendent Swisher had been "right on the money" last year in his state monetary predictions. Pitts commended Swisher and stated that he was very good with figures keeping Milan pretty solid financially.

Students Sarah Hussung and Mackenzie Hartman were presented certificates of recognition for their participation in the Readers Digest Vocabulary Contest. Hussung also was presented a certificate for placing 6th out of 38 contestants in the Scripps Howard/Post spelling competition. Middle School Principal Connie Nobbe complimented the girls saying, "These two girls are super students and did a great job."

Sherri Zornes, president of the Milan USA winter age group swim team expressed her thanks for the use of the pool this season. She reported that the team had 34 swimmers, competed in six meets, and had nine divisional qualifying swimmers. Zornes also stated that Larry Grippo Jr. and Elizabeth Smith competed at the state level in early March. The team donated equipment for use by the elementary and other school swim teams. A parent, Mr. Weston, noted that they had excellent swimmers this year and said that most of the reason was the coaching of Rhonda Goodpaster. He expressed his hope that the board will reinstate Goodpaster as coach for next year.

Superintendent Swisher announced that the following summer school classes will be offered: Elementary and middle school "jumpstart" classes for nine days from July 31 - August 10; summer band classes, and a high school English class, with differentiated curriculum for the various grade levels. The Southeastern Career Center will offer high school online classes in various subjects. The board voted 4-0 to approve the summer school program.

Stephanie Baker motioned to approve the following lease agreements:

· A request from MHS SADD to hold a "Kid's Night Out" at the elementary on Thursday, April 6 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

· Request from LaMar Brown to hold a Bike-a-Thon for St. Jude's Hospital in the elementary parking lot on March 18.

· And, a request from the elementary PTO to use parts of the elementary for their annual carnival on Friday, April 28 from 3-9:00 p.m. (hours of carnival activities being 5-8:00 p.m.).

The motion was seconded by Edward Amberger and the motion carried 4-0.

Field trips to the Newport Aquarium, the Krohn Conservatory and the Cincinnati Reds Ball Park and Hall of Fame Museum were approved 4-0. Superintendent Swisher informed the board of a field trip request made by Sherri Zornes, elementary GT coordinator, on behalf of the Destination Imagination teams. They want to participate in the global competition at the University of Knoxville, TN, in May if they qualify. There will be no cost to the corporation and parents will provide transportation. The motion carried 4-0.

Members of the Boy Scout Troop 631 from the Milan/Moores Hill area attended the meeting to earn a merit badge in community citizenship.

The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.