USD 383 Board of Education

Sept. 16, 2009

Kathy Dzewaltowski, Observer

Work session:
The board was presented with preliminary schematic designs for the construction planned for Lee Elementary. Lee is currently a smaller elementary and will be expanded to being a large elementary. The designs included plans for courtyards, and board members expressed concerns about maintenance and security for the courtyards.

Regular meeting:
Board members approved 7-0 the final designs and specifications for the construction projects planned for Amanda Arnold and Ogden Elementary Schools. The plans will need to be reviewed by the State Board of Education's architect, which could possibly take until the end of November.

The board was updated regarding construction discussions taking place at the high school and elementary schools, and many of the meetings are scheduled during the work day. Board members strongly suggested that meetings be scheduled for times when working parents and other community members would be able to attend and provide input.

The board approved 7-0 to discontinue accepting quarter-cent sales tax funds (approved by voters in 2005). The board had voted to discontinue assessing the tax Dec. 31, 2006, but the district was still receiving small amounts of delinquent taxes. The amounts had dwindled to the point of no longer being worth the staff time to manage the accounting.

Board members approved 7-0 to finalize a contract to purchase the house at 122 Westwood Rd. as part of the expansion plans for the high school. Administration would like to purchase three additional properties near the high school but have not yet been able to establish an agreement with the property owners. The board authorized 7-0 a survey of the properties as a first step toward condemning the properties if an agreement can't be reached.

Supt. Bob Shannon had declined an increase in his salary, but the board still wanted to reward Dr. Shannon and approved giving him an additional three days off for the next year.