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By Deb Keithley
MACON – The Macon R-I Board of Education approved a preliminary budget for 2009-10 at Monday night’s regular meeting. Superintendent Debbie Livingston presented the preliminary figures which anticipate $13,382,723.81 in expenses with $12,944,427.44 in estimated receipts leaving a deficit of $438,296.37. Included in the deficit is approximately $267,000 for the debt service for the school improvement project and approximately $95,000 for equipment purchases to support enhancement grants received for the vocational school.
“It is no surprise that we have a deficit budget this year, due to reserves being used for the renovations and the new addition being constructed” said Livingston. “I feel good about next year’s budget, we are right where we thought we would be.” Toni Riekeberg moved to approve the preliminary budget with Danny Orbin seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous for approval. Member Brent Bernhardt was absent.
New vocational director Pam Wilgus was present for her first board meeting. Wilgus said she has been busy learning about her new job. “I am very pleased to be in Macon,” she said. “I am also excited that Macon Area Vocational School has been approved for six enhancement grants.” The grants to be received include auto technology, health occupations, culinary arts, welding, graphic arts, and early childhood education.
Operations manager, Terry Russell updated the board on the progress that has been made in the constructions of the new addition and the renovations being made to the existing space. “We are obviously behind schedule on the new construction due to all the rain,” said Russell. “The floor for the addition was poured today (Monday)”. Russell also presented recommendations to accept bids for concrete work on the front drive, back drive, drainage work around the new addition and for storm runoff, replacement of the front side walk and entrance to the pre-school building to correct a drainage problem and demolition of the house recently purchased by the school on Walnut Street. The board approved the bid recommendations.
Food services director Gayle McVay presented an evaluation report for food services. McVay recommended the board approve bids from Interstate for bread products and Prairie Farms for dairy products for the 2009-10 school year. The board approve the bids.
Board secretary Debbie Baker was reappointed to the position. Baker has served as secretary since 1990. Sherry Wiggans was reappointed as board treasurer. She has served in that capacity since 1987.
In other action the board approved an evaluation for the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), evaluation report for parent education and the third reading for policy GBBDA.
Student handbooks with current revisions were approved for the elementary school, middle school and high school/vocational school.
Following the meeting board members toured the building with Russell to see the progress of the renovations being done within the existing structure.
In executive session the board accepted the resignation of Robbie Mossman and the retirement of Tamsy Sneed as first grade instructor.
Eric Hoyt was hired for sixth grade language arts, freshman football coach and assistant varsity track coach. Jared Wood will teach middle school P.E./health and will be the varsity baseball coach.
Laura Wells was employed as high school/middle school special education instructor. Cindy Hennke will be the vocational school early education instructor.
Tom Perkins was hired as night custodian for the elementary school. Tara Bailey who is currently a part-time para-professional will be a full-time para in the elementary school.
The next regular meeting of the Macon R-I Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m. in the middle school library
By Deb Keithley
MACON – The Macon R-I Board of Education approved a preliminary budget for 2009-10 at Monday night’s regular meeting. Superintendent Debbie Livingston presented the preliminary figures which anticipate $13,382,723.81 in expenses with $12,944,427.44 in estimated receipts leaving a deficit of $438,296.37. Included in the deficit is approximately $267,000 for the debt service for the school improvement project and approximately $95,000 for equipment purchases to support enhancement grants received for the vocational school.
“It is no surprise that we have a deficit budget this year, due to reserves being used for the renovations and the new addition being constructed” said Livingston. “I feel good about next year’s budget, we are right where we thought we would be.” Toni Riekeberg moved to approve the preliminary budget with Danny Orbin seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous for approval. Member Brent Bernhardt was absent.
New vocational director Pam Wilgus was present for her first board meeting. Wilgus said she has been busy learning about her new job. “I am very pleased to be in Macon,” she said. “I am also excited that Macon Area Vocational School has been approved for six enhancement grants.” The grants to be received include auto technology, health occupations, culinary arts, welding, graphic arts, and early childhood education.
Operations manager, Terry Russell updated the board on the progress that has been made in the constructions of the new addition and the renovations being made to the existing space. “We are obviously behind schedule on the new construction due to all the rain,” said Russell. “The floor for the addition was poured today (Monday)”. Russell also presented recommendations to accept bids for concrete work on the front drive, back drive, drainage work around the new addition and for storm runoff, replacement of the front side walk and entrance to the pre-school building to correct a drainage problem and demolition of the house recently purchased by the school on Walnut Street. The board approved the bid recommendations.
Food services director Gayle McVay presented an evaluation report for food services. McVay recommended the board approve bids from Interstate for bread products and Prairie Farms for dairy products for the 2009-10 school year. The board approve the bids.
Board secretary Debbie Baker was reappointed to the position. Baker has served as secretary since 1990. Sherry Wiggans was reappointed as board treasurer. She has served in that capacity since 1987.
In other action the board approved an evaluation for the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), evaluation report for parent education and the third reading for policy GBBDA.
Student handbooks with current revisions were approved for the elementary school, middle school and high school/vocational school.
Following the meeting board members toured the building with Russell to see the progress of the renovations being done within the existing structure.
In executive session the board accepted the resignation of Robbie Mossman and the retirement of Tamsy Sneed as first grade instructor.
Eric Hoyt was hired for sixth grade language arts, freshman football coach and assistant varsity track coach. Jared Wood will teach middle school P.E./health and will be the varsity baseball coach.
Laura Wells was employed as high school/middle school special education instructor. Cindy Hennke will be the vocational school early education instructor.
Tom Perkins was hired as night custodian for the elementary school. Tara Bailey who is currently a part-time para-professional will be a full-time para in the elementary school.
The next regular meeting of the Macon R-I Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m. in the middle school library
