Tuesday, October 29, 2013

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING


HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
October 28, 2013

Mr. John Lieto was hired for the 8th grade mathematics teaching position. The interview team consisting of Doug Lovell, Jay Sinclair, Shelley Schlump, Jacob Anastasoff, Melissa Benware and Melissa Raymond indicated that he was ranked #1 after both rounds of interviews. The first round consisted of a traditional interview and the second round required finalists to teach a lesson in the classroom.

The financial auditor provided an overview of the district’s annual audit. In Fiscal Year 2013 the district received $12,925,076 in revenue and had $12,702,382 in expenses. Therefore, the district added $222,694 to the fund equity which was at $4,274,133 as of June 30, 2013.

Ida Public Schools is currently in excellent financial shape but the revenue forecast across the State is still bleak. The number of school districts in deficit doubled this past year to over 50. Economists are predicting a long and slow economic recovery in Michigan and across the country. Additionally, the student population in Michigan is declining which reduces revenue even further. Ida lost about 31 students from 2012 to 2013 and we are projecting a loss of about 26 students for 2014.

Ida’s current year budget (2014) projections follow:                                   

                                    Revenue:          $12,625,837
                                    Expenses:         $13,317,470
                               
The projected yearly deficit is at $691,633 for an ending fund balance on June 30, 2014 of $3,582,500.

The emergency evacuation drill on Friday, October 25, 2013 went very smoothly. The teaching staff, support staff, administration and students took the drill very seriously and performed admirably. The district-wide lock down drill was fast, efficient and worthwhile. Students remained calm, extremely quiet and followed instructions. Once the middle school evacuation started all students and staff were out of the building and across Lewis Avenue in less than 6 minutes. The law enforcement personnel were impressed. The independent evaluators had the following positive comments:

            1.  The students were extremely quiet

            2.  Students exiting windows were fast and they stayed out of sight

            3.  Students ducked below windows when moving about

            4.  Very organized

            5.  Students organized by class with class rosters available

            6.  Impressive drill

            7.  Excellent use of check off sheets for particular purposes (organization)

A few suggestions for improvement were also documented which include:

            1.  Keep lights on in hallways

            2.  Police officer access to building once in lockdown

            3.  Evacuation overcrowding at a particular gate

Once approved, the meeting minutes are posted on the district web-site at www.idaschools.org.

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