Milan School Board moves ahead with project

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer


The Milan School Board was updated on several funding options for projects at the elementary and middle schools at the regular meeting held Monday, October 19. According to corporation attorney Larry Eaton, applications for a Qualified Zone Academy bonds and Qualified Construction bonds have been filed.

According to Eaton, the Qualified Zone Academy bonds allow schools to sell bonds to fund projects. These non-interest bearing bonds are paid back within 15 years and allow the purchasers to receive a tax credit. Qualified School Construction bonds are for projects less than $2 million for the renovation of existing buildings.

The board approved the request to allow Eaton and Interim Superintendent Steve Gookins to move forward with these loan applications. The formation of a holding committee for the projects was approved. The board also approved the payment of $95,000 plus consumables to Triangle Design, architect for project, pending the approval of the Qualified Zone Academy bond application.

Members of the senior class presented a field trip request to the board. According to senior class president Grayson Miller, a trip to New York City will be both educational and fun for those seniors who go.

Plans have been made to visit various well-known locations such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the World Trade Center Ground Zero. There are several museums on the agenda as well as a visit to Times Square and Radio City Music Hall. The motion to approve the field trip request was unanimously approved.

Lease agreements approved included the rental of the soccer field from the Milan Park Board and the Batesville Swim Team use of the pool with a vote of 4-1, with Greg Lewis voting no.

Counselors from all three schools updated the board on the results from the last ISTEP tests. Due to scores below the state average, the schools are providing opportunities for students to better prepare for the spring testing as well as determining weaknesses in the subject areas.

In other business:

• The 2010 budget was approved as advertised.

• Bid specifications for lawn care and snow/ice removal were approved unanimous.

• Conference requests approved include Bob Hunger to the Indiana Art Education Association Conference; Appie Thompson and Denise Roark to the Indiana School Nurse Conference; and Stefani Bedel to attend the Midwest Clinic-International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago.

• Michelle Franklin, Carla Holt and Jeff Greiwe were approved as Title I tutors.

• Extracurricular personnel approved include Steve Stock, 7th grade boys basketball; Daniel Johnson, 9th grade boys basketball; Michelle Franklin, 7th grade girls basketball; Brianna Kraushar, girls reserve basketball; Michelle Heinrich, girls varsity assistant; Zachary Wade, boys swimming; Paige Wade, girls swimming; Rob Riley, reserve wrestling; and Adrian Wilburn, middle school wrestling.
All board members were in attendance. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 16 beginning at 7 p.m. in the administrative offices.