Morrison School Board Report For September

By Lynette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – The Morrison School Board met in the Media Center on September 27, 2011 for a regular meeting. Upon approving the minutes from the September 13th meeting, members moved right into the Communication portion of the meeting.

Russ Rumbold addressed the board providing a report on the District’s Audit. Analysis showed a financial recognition score of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0. Rumbold commented that “the reason for the 3.9 instead of 4.0 is due to long term debt.” Average daily attendance has increased to 1,026 students, which has been steady. With the State behind $336,000.00, the District is doing the best it can. The board was told that the Audit report will be made available online.

Superintendent Suellen Girard reported the information program Skyward is proving to be very powerful. Girard also informed the board that work is ongoing in regards to converting the food service accounts. “Thank you to everyone working on that.” she stated.

It was noted that the students are very excited about the new technology this year. Girard said that work will begin this fall on installation of the solar panels, with no cost to the District. The panels will be installed at the Junior and Senior High Schools, with teacher workshops being held at a later date. Members heard that Girard is still pondering the option of changing food service distributors. “Students are voicing concerns over being served 1% chocolate milk instead of 2%. It’s not what I would order. I can’t control that. It’s a requirement made by the State. I am very unhappy.”

Scott Vance gave a report on the happenings at the High School. The installation and uploading of the Discovery Education Assessment system has begun. Faculty is currently previewing the systems, and are looking at potential fall testing dates. Both iPad labs are currently being used and are up and running with feedback from students being very positive.

The High School has been contacted by the Class of 1961, who is interested in making a donation to the school similar to that of the Class of 1960. Also, a check from Target was received from purchases made at store locations by Morrison residents.

Vance reported that Homecoming had taken place last week, and a school wide picnic was held prior to a Pep Assembly. Random drug testing has begun, with results being favorable, and great student cooperation. MHS hosted the Harvest Hammer road race, and Vance announced that he had received extremely positive feedback from the Rotary.

Principal Joe Robbins informed the board that students in his building had heard a presentation about the Rain Forest from the Bureau of Lectures and Assemblies. First grade students recently recognized Grandparents for Grandparents Day. iPad’s in Mrs. Mayberry and Mrs. Dobbins’ rooms have arrived. Robbins reported that 13 new students have begun at Southside, and 14 new students have arrived at Northside, as well as 3 new Pre-K students since the beginning of the year.

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue noted that volleyball is underway consisting of 14 seventh grade students, and 12 eighth graders. Hogue and Robbins reported that they had picked up $36,000.00 worth of items from NAIER, which is an overstock warehouse that provides items free. A membership and minimal collection fee is required. “Teachers really liked the items they received,” stated Hogue.

Erin Luckey reported on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting, stating that discussion is ongoing in regards to requiring students and staff members to wear Identification. Persona studio would provide the ID’s free of charge with a small fee replacement if one gets lost. Also, Luckey informed the board that the committee is looking at subcontracting out for food service.

Luckey commented that a member of the Advisory Committee had brought up the issue of people reserving seats at football games. Apparently, a large number of seats are being reserved, taking up a lot of space for other spectators. This matter will continue to be discussed.

Discussion items followed, beginning with Girard stating that “the financial report is right on target. It’s a good thing,” she said. Girard reported that no General State Aid payments have been received in July, leaving the budget for this year much tighter. Once again, the Operation and Maintanance Fund continues to be the “problem fund” for the District.

A Financial Planning Book will be distributed at the next board meeting, compiling data from multiple years. There was a need to have final figures from the Audit from last year, so that figures in the book are accurate.

Girard reported that enrollment is only down by one student from last year.

Board members approved the retirement of Sandy Tharp at the end of the 2012 school year under the terms of the current teacher contract. Tharp has been with the District for 25 years. The board meeting scheduled for October 11, had been eliminated, due to a lack of need.

The next meeting of the Morrison Board of Education will be held on October 25 in the Media Center at the High School.