Resignations accepted; vacancies filled at SR mtg

Cathy May - Contributing Writer


South Ripley School Board of Trustees member Jim Samples has resigned his position. A notice has been published in the newspaper. Anyone interested in the position should contact the administration office. A replacement will be named at the July board meeting.

Kent Myers will be the new band director and head of the music department pending transfer of his license. Myers is a 1999 graduate of Milan High School. Bev Ester was hired as assistant to the principal. Sandy Howard was hired as the new high school secretary. Stacy Schmaltz was hired as elementary school receptionist.

Technology Director Mark Downard’s contract was not renewed. Belinda Mockbee resigned as varsity softball coach. Ken Myers, teacher’s aide at the high school will not have his employment renewed.

Randy McIntosh spoke on behalf of the Administrative/Non-Certified Salary and Benefit Committee and recommended the following: Effective July 1, 2007, a 2.5% increase for all non-certified employees. A 2.5% raise and a one-year contract extension for Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Elementary School Principal Mark Collier, and Elementary School Assistant Principal Amy Linkel. The committee also recommended that the salary of the business manager be increased to the level of the technology director. The recommendation was approved.

Full day kindergarten for the 2007-2008 school year was approved pending funding from the State to adequately support the program.

Jerry Gilpin addressed the board about the possibility of building a sports complex on a portion of the 33 acres south of the elementary school. A diagram he presented showed the complex to have three soccer fields, two baseball fields, two softball fields, a peewee field, tennis courts and parking. The board took the issue under advisement.

A letter was received from Providence High School stating the positive character and attitude of the coaches and players of the South Ripley Baseball Team in their competition during the baseball regional.

Board members present were Gil Landwehr, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller and Tim Taylor. Superintendent Ted Ahaus was also present to advise the board. The July board date has been changed from Monday, July 16 to Thursday, July 12.