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CR2 BOARD MEETING MARCH 17, 2009 District to Pursue Partnership Project If enough grant money can be found, Chillicothe may soon have a building that serves as a center for R-2 early education, hold classrooms for middle schoolers and facilities where seniors can meet. The Chillicothe R-2 board gave Superintendent Dr. Linda Gray Smith permission to contract with an architect to draw up plans needed to seek grant funding during the regular March meeting held at district headquarters. Tim Bosler, president of the Concerned Christians of Livingston County made brief comments to the board when the item was discussed. "I have always felt that the school district has wonderful facilities that are used part-time," said Bosler. He explained that the Concerned Christians for Livingston County is an oversight board over numerous volunteer organizations including the Grand River Multi-Purpose Center, the RSVP program, the Joy Toy Project, Threads Thrift Store, the Widowed Persons Support Group, Bridge For Hope and the Meals on Wheels programs. These groups, Bosler explained, meet "wherever they can" at different locations within the community. Bosler said there is a strong desire for one facility where all these groups could all meet. And, he said, the pilot program "The Aging Resource Center" is currently in operation at the Grand River Multi-Purpose Center, which utilizes computers and other technological equipment. "So, it becomes clear that (a facility) with a kitchen, reception area and activities center could be shared with people of different ages," Bosler said. The idea of a partnership facility arose from discussions between district administrators and the R-2 board about the various facility needs within the district. The district is looking for permanent classroom space at the Chillicothe Middle School because the old Chillicothe High School building is slated to be razed over summer break. In that historic building, the middle school utilizes five classrooms and some office and storage space. To meet the immediate needs of the middle school for the 2009-2010 school year, the board previously approved the leasing of a mobile classroom, however the board approved a three-year lease and advised district administrators to explore ideas for a more permanent solution. Also, the district's early childhood education program is currently run in different locations around the city and staff members have previously expressed to the board their desire and the many benefits of having an early childhood education center. Smith said that a partnership facility would not only meet the facility needs of the district, but would meet the community's needs after the middle school may be moved to the north campus. District officials have said that more grant funds could likely be available if the district would partner with the community. R-2 Approves Technology Positions The Chillicothe R-2 School Board approved the creation of a district technology instructor’s position Tuesday night during the regular March meeting held at district headquarters. The person hired for that job, Smith says, would be responsible for instructing teachers how to use technology in their classrooms. The technology instructor would also be responsible for the upkeep of the district's website. Smith said the funds to pay the salaried position would come from realigning existing funding. (The district currently spends $12,000 annually to out source the upkeep of its websites.) The district, she said, would advertise the position "in house." Board members also approved the creation of two hourly-wage computer maintenance technicians who will analyze technical problems, trouble-shoot and repair the district's technology equipment. The creation of those positions, Smith said, would also be "budget neutral." The board also gave Smith the go-ahead to hire a part-time Spanish instructor if enough area schools expressed interest in paying for his/her instruction via interactive television (ITV). The district's benefits of having a part-time instructor would include resolving scheduling issues of some students at the high school who are interested in taking Spanish, but are unable to due to scheduling issues. Those students, Smith said, would be able to take Spanish during the times when the part-time Spanish teacher would be teaching area students via ITV. The district, Smith said, would theoretically purchase the equipment to run the program through federal stimulus funds earmarked for technology. The superintendent said that as well as generating additional revenue from area schools, the district could utilize the equipment for other learning opportunities. Board members also approved the expansion of the Chillicothe Alternative Center for Education (CACE) to include openings for middle school students. With the unanimous approval, Chillicothe Middle School students needing an alternative education setting will go to the CACE, along with middle school students from area schools. Smith said that the expansion of the CACE to include middle school students could be a "large revenue generator" for the district. In other business, the board accepted a budget revision for the 2008-09 fiscal year showing a deficit of $624,065. The revision reflects a $27,000 increase in transportation revenue and a $7,603 increase in state revenue. Board members noted the previously approved budget showed a larger spending deficit started with in September was $659,987. Board members also:
In executive session, the board offered teaching contracts to probationary teachers, to Penny Denton for the position of high school vocal instructor and to Tori Hallette, as high school Spanish teacher. The board accepted resignations from Janice Shaffer, of the Chillicothe Alternative Center for Education, Amy Dorrell, high school special education teacher; Susan Rogotzke, Central School library aide; Kyla Slater, high school special education aide; and Donna Buzzard, high school Spanish teacher. |
