Members of the board of education made preparations Monday for the upcoming school year, increasing meal prices to offset a deficit and making several hiring decisions.
Faced with about a $20,000 deficit in the food service account for the fiscal year that ends at the end June, the board raised prices for meals served at district cafeterias. Part of the red ink was caused by equipment purchases, but higher food and machinery costs also contributed.
The new rates are: full-price student lunch, $1.25; and full-price student breakfast, 75 cents. A reduced lunch will cost four dimes, and a reduced breakfast is priced at 30 cents. Adults will pay $1.50 for lunch and 90 cents for breakfast. The price for an extra milk remains unchanged.
Bids were awarded for several supplies needed for the new school year. They are: propane, All-Star Gas; gasoline and diesel, Rees Oil Co.; Bread products, Earth Grains [Sara Lee]; pest control, Stallcup Pest Control; and milk, Hiland Dairy.
The board also accepted the resignations of Dinah Matthews, speech pathologist and process coordinator; Sherri Gale, high school business; Eric Sloan, high school social studies; and LaMoine Hamilton, Title I reading.
Several persons also were hired: Kim Huff, reassignment to high school English; Maggie Jadwin, alternative school; Marcella Fleetwood, enrichment and at-risk students; Dana McCloud, Exceptional Child Cooperative secretary; and Jodie Gorman, business teacher.
Superintendent Clinton Waters reported he is interviewing and pursuing teachers for these slots: speech and debate, advanced science and social studies. Coaching positions to be assigned include: varsity track, assistant football and assistant boys’ basketball.
The board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. June 25 for a work session on the ’07-’08 school year budget. The July meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 11.
In other matters, members:
-Hired L.J. Hart and Associates as its fund manager for a proposed bond issue that will appear before voters in 2008. No tax increase will be required, school officials said earlier. Three other companies also submitted proposals.
-Two state winners were recognized in a state handwriting contest. Kyle Moore, second grade; and Samantha Garrett, third grade, were honored as first-place winners.
-Implemented disciplinary measures related to text messaging by students in classrooms. Waters said it has become an increased distraction as students illegally use the technology during school hours.