Kellie Collier recognized at SR mtg.

Cathy May - Contributing Writer

 The South Ripley School Board met on November 12 with six school board members present: Robert Garcia, Gil Landwehr, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor. Superintendent Ted Ahaus and Attorney Merritt Alcorn were also present.

Kellie Collier was recognized as the DAR Good Citizen for the senior class of 2008. Vice President Miller presented Collier with a certificate of recognition, a pen set and a pin. Trace Tucker was also present and represented South Ripley Elementary in their efforts in attaining the Gold Star Counseling Award. Miller presented Tucker with a certificate of recognition.

The minutes, claims, and financial report were reviewed and approved.

Jerry Hon will serve as second shift custodian at the elementary school. He will fill the position left vacant by Travis Scudder. Mary (Jenny) Hansen was hired for a 4.5 hour per day cafeteria position at the elementary school. A family medical leave was approved for Charlotte Comer retroactive from October 31, 2007, through January 3, 2008. Crystal Welch will be the substitute teacher for Comer during her medical leave. Welch will be paid at the beginning hourly rate of a teacher for four hours per day. Also, receiving a family medical was Deb Baldwin from November 21 until December 7, 2007.

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Ted Ahaus, the Book Adoption Committee for the jr.-sr. high school and expenditure goals as required by PL 191-2006 were approved. Also approved, Witkemper Insurance Agency for the corporation property, liability, auto, and workers compensation with a total package cost of $71,355. The insurance carrier is Cincinnati Insurance.

Under information items, Technology Director Jeff Downs was present and showed some new software under consideration for the school website. The annual energy savings report was provided by Siemens.

Superintendent Ahaus shared the Emergency School Closing Plan for the 2007-2008 school year. He also informed board members that the Non-certified Benefits Committee met and reviewed the Anthem health insurance increases. These increases will be reviewed again in June 2008.

School Attorney Merritt Alcorn informed board members that a bus inspection on the burned bus will be held on November 27. Superintendent Ahaus noted that Veterans Day programs were held earlier in the day at both the elementary and jr. sr. high school. Both programs were outstanding and well attended.

Vice President Miller congratulated Superintendent Ahaus for recently being named Educator of the Year by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce.

Board members were reminded of the annual Christmas party that will follow the December 17 meeting at Maverick’s in Madison. The December 17 board meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the holiday schedule.