Knox County School Board Hears Administrations’ Reports

 Knox County School Board Hears Administrations’ Reports

On Tuesday May 19th, at 7 pm, the Knox County R-1 School Board met to discuss the topics on the agenda. All seven board members were present as, Board President, Shelley Bugh, called the meeting to order and lead the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the administrators gave their reports. The board was reminded of the Food Service Grant for the high school kitchen to receive new freezers, coolers, and a new dishwasher. The Board also learned of a new state law changing the required drop out age of a student from 16 to 17 with, at least, 16 credit hours. The Knox County School District is also hoping to have a bus leases paid off by the beginning of June, saving the school an estimated $7,000 in interest fees.
Then a discussion took place on the class accounts of funds raised by the past graduates, from the classes of 1997 and 2009. The school can no longer give the funds back to these classes due to problems with class reunions and liability issues for the school district. The left over money could be put into an alumi fund or two other options for the funds were discussed for present graduating classes. The money could be to donate to the Student Council or to the After Prom Committee. No action was taken at this time.
The board then addressed some unfinished business. Mrs. Betsy Ayers gave her report on the CTA awarding a scholarship to Megan Hunolt to further her education in teaching, and she informed the board about the plaques given to the retiring teachers and let them know they will be presenting Joni Bryant with a gift for her retirement.
Employee benefits for Para assistance and cooks were discussed and it was then voted on. The motion to give the employees an insurance option was declined with a one yes and six no votes.
New business was then addressed, the A+ program report was given by Ms. Jami Zinn, High School Guidance Counselor, and Mrs. Betsy Ayers reported on the S.P.A.R.K. gifted Program and how well the program was doing and influencing the students involved.
Adding a third insurance option, to the existing two, was then discussed and made into a motion. The motion carried unanimously with a seven to zero vote in favor of the change.
The 2009 and 2010 calendar revision were made and the board voted unanimously for moving the next years graduation ceremonies to Sundays at 2pm, instead of the currently scheduled Saturday night at 7 pm.
The board then decided on trading in a 55-passenger bus for a 63-passenger bus and voted on purchasing a new bus for the 2010 school year and possibly a second bus if the budget allows, which unanimously carried.
The final issue addressed was the series 1999 lease purchase resolution, which pays off the bond for the addition of the Middle School building early. With everything being paid, this will leave the school district with a payment of $82,000 to $90,000 for the year. A roll call vote was then taken and passed unanimously.
A motion was then made and seconded for adjournment. A roll call vote was taken and the meeting then ended.