SR athlete recognized


Karen Reynolds, Contributing Writer

The August meeting of the South Ripley School Corporation began on a note of celebration as senior Thad Fleming was recognized for his achievements in track and field last spring. Fleming’s accomplishments include winning the sectional and regional discus competitions, tying the school record. He participated in the state track and field meet.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus wished Fleming well in the upcoming school year. President Ralph Miller presented him with a certificate of recognition, a pin, and a Raider’s umbrella.

The following personnel changes were unanimously approved:

• Resignation of Kim Kinker as elementary aide effective immediately.

• Employment of Elizabeth Ritter to fill the Title I aide position vacated by Kinker’s resignation.

• Employment of Mitchell Harrell as high school education aide effective this school year.

• Employment of Casey Payne to fill the IDEA Stimulus Special Education aide position. This is a non-benefit, one-year only position for the 2009-2010 school year.

• FMLA request for intermittent leave for Vernice Stratton, retroactively effective from July 15, 2009-August 25, 2009.

• Employment of Joyce Welch to fill the high school cafeteria position. This is a 2-hour per day position during the school year.

• Resignation of Tammy Tankersley as 8th grade girls basketball coach for the 2009-2010 school year.

• Coaching positions: Lindsey Theetge as junior high co-ed soccer coach, Karen Cole as junior high girls track coach, Jessica McConnell as 8th grade girls basketball coach.

• FMLA request for Paige Byard retroactively from July 22- August 11, 2009.

Under financial news:

Approval was given for the 2010 calendar year budgets and permission to advertise such. Approval was given for change orders in the amount of $23,300.00 for the building/renovation project. Approval was given for the school corporation to contribute to the girls golf team for the 2009 season. Business Manager Lana Miller stated that a tax draw was received from Ripley County consisting of $1,982,565.00.

In other news, Ahaus stated that the start of school went well as did junior high orientation and the high school’s open house. According to Dr. John Mehrle, the junior high wing is working as it should. He commended the teachers for their hard work during this transition. A progress meeting with the contractors is to be held August 21. Lana Miller stated that contractor bills have not been received since the last board meeting. Board members were happy to report that there were many positive comments regarding the building project particularly the junior high wing.

According to board member Jim Miller, the Madison Schools and South Ripley schools had filed for a joint technology grant that was recently approved by the state of Indiana.

Those attending this meeting were board members Robert Garcia, Gil Landwehr, Keith Mathews, Randy McIntosh, Jim Miller, Ralph Miller, and Tim Taylor. Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Mehrle, school attorney Merritt Alcorn and Business Manager Lana Miller were also in attendance. The next school board meeting will be September 21.



KAREN REYNOLDS PHOTO
Pictured from left are South Ripley Superintendent Ted Ahaus, Thad Fleming, and board president Ralph Miller. Fleming was recognized for his achievements in track and field last spring at the regular August board meeting.