ORIGINALLY WRITTEN ALEEN RATZLAFF
The annual budget for the Unified School District 410 2005-06 fiscal year will include $440,750 of new revenue along with additional projected costs of $292,600, according to the update presented by Superintendent Gordon Mohn at Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting.
Mohn said the revenue increase is a direct result of school finance legislation that increased the general fund by $217,950, the local option budget by $187,400 and the capital outlay fund by $35,360.
Adding textbook and vehicle expenses reduced in last year’s budget, along with salary increases, account for much of the added costs projected for 2005-06.
Added costs to the budget also include $37,939 allocated for a set of portable mobile bleachers to be used both at Reimer Field at Tabor College and the field at Hillsboro Elementary School. The board approved the purchase from Century Industries at Monday’s meeting.
The final version of the budget-totaling nearly $4.2 million-and the budget hearing notice will appear in the Aug. 18 edition of the Free Press Extra.
Board members approved a special meeting for Thursday, Sept. 1, to approve the upcoming year’s budget.
County Commissioner Dan Holub returned to this month’s meeting to provide additional information regarding the Marion County Revitalization Plan.
Holub attended the July board meeting to present the plan, adopted by the county commission in April, that designates all of Marion County as a revitalization area, and to ask USD 410 to indicate whether it will participate in the plan.
The revitalization plan is intended to promote economic growth in the county by granting property-tax exemptions for improvements and new construction in designated property areas, Holub said.
Mohn indicated that both the Marion and Peabody school districts have agreed to participate in the plan, although the city of Hillsboro has declined.
“I think it’s a good-faith gesture for our entity to support (the plan),” board member Rod Koons said. By a 6-0 vote, the board directed Mohn to sign the revitalization agreement.
Board President Brent Barkman and members Eddie Weber and Gary Andrews-all elected last April-signed the board member oath of office.
In his building report, HES principal Evan Yoder said he anticipated at least 10 new students for the upcoming year.
Hillsboro Middle School principal Corey Burton said developing and mapping social studies curriculum will be a priority this year at HMS. Curriculum subject revisions are on a five-year rotation.
At Hillsboro High School, principal Dale Honeck said he wants to encourage faculty to include technology in their instruction by “finding ways to get students involved.”
In other business, the board:
— heard a report on transportation for the district by Keith Goossen, supervisor for building, grounds and transportation. He said the district will need to purchase two 20-passenger buses and a van to keep its fleet in shape to meet transportation needs.
— approved an agreement between TEEN and USD 410 to provide office and clerical support totaling $2,480 for TEEN director Chris Moddelmog.
— approved the following employment contracts-Dennis Boldt as assistant high school girls’ basketball coach, Eileen Rader as after-school aide in the Wiebe Media Center, Jerry Hinerman for TEEN clerk services from August through next June, and Carla Harmon as TEEN treasurer from August through next June.
— authorized hiring an assistant coach for cross country at a supplemental salary of 4 percent. Mohn said he anticipates 28 students will participate this fall.
— approved the Hillsboro Arts and Craft Association’s request that the district provide buses and drivers for the upcoming fair scheduled for Sept. 17. USD 410 will charge the cost of drivers’ salaries and fuel to the association.
— approved placing four revisions of board policy on the agenda for the next regular meeting. These recommendations affect policies for the school year, approval of field trips, local wellness program and students’ self-administration of medication.
— met in executive session to discuss matters related to employer-employee negotiations as a result of adjustments to the 2005-06 budget.
