South Ripley reinstates town bus route

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

 The South Ripley School Board approved a policy regarding student transportation for events outside of the regular school day at the South Ripley Jr.-Sr. High School at their board meeting held October 15. The new policy will allow some flexibility for parents that wish to transport their children home after an event. School officials must be notified no later than noon on the day of the event if a parent will be picking up their child.

A town bus route will be reinstated. Bus #118, will accommodate the large number of students in town needing school transportation. This route was present for the 2006-2007 school year but was eliminated for the 2007-2008 school year. Due to an increase in students riding the buses, it was determined that it was needed and should be reinstated.

Julie Dilk will be the bus driver for Route #118 effective October 15. The hours for Tracy Burns and Cindy Strunk will be increased by one-half hour per day as bus aide and driver for the afternoon pre-school route. This is effective October 15. Travis Scudder was hired as elementary custodian effective October 25.

Thom Conover resigned as junior varsity boys' baseball coach effective immediately. Mitchell Harrell was hired as 7th grade girls' basketball coach for the 2007-2008 season.

Karen Vollmar resigned from her 2.25-hour per day cafeteria position effective retroactively from September 13. Jane Raab was hired as elementary cafeteria worker for 5.5 hours per day. This is to replace the position left vacant due to the retirement of Genevieve DeBurger. Tracy Burns was hired as elementary cafeteria worker for the 2.25-hour position vacated previously by Ann Klusman. Julie Dilk was approved as elementary cafeteria worker for 2.25 hours per day effective October 15, 2007. Dilk will fill the vacant position of Karen Vollmar.

Superintendent Ahaus was given approval to post a new position for an elementary cafeteria worker for 4.5 hours per day. Approval was also sought to increase the hours of nine elementary cafeteria workers a combined total of 3.5 hours per day. These additional hours and new position are needed as a result of the increase in meals served due to full day kindergarten.

The Elementary Language Arts Textbook Adoption Committee for the 2007-2008 school year was approved.

Under information items: Technology Director Jeff Downs was present and updated the board on several technology issues.

Assistant Superintendent John Mehrle gave his monthly report to the board regarding curriculum issues.

Business Manager Lana Miller informed the board that a tax draw for license excise and property taxes was received in the amount of $1,492,367.

Superintendent Ahaus presented a copy of the 2008 health insurance rates for Anthem participants. Increases in the rates ranged from 8.9% to10.5%. The Salary and Benefit Committee will review these increases.

Superintendent Ahaus shared a copy of a letter to Tyson Board thanking them for their $50,000 contribution to the sound and lighting system in the new auditoria.

Superintendent Ahaus shared information regarding the elementary receiving the Indiana Gold Star School Counseling Award.

Superintendent Ahaus shared with the board that the South Ripley FFA Chapter will be attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis during the week of October 22-27, 2007.

An executive session was held at 6:00 p.m. regarding personnel. A work session followed the regular session regarding corporation goals and objectives and the building/renovation project.

School board members Robert Garcia, Gil Landwehr, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor were present. Superintendent Ahaus and School Attorney Merritt Alcorn were also present to advise the board. The next regular board meeting date was changed from November 19 to November 15.