DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred school board has approved a preliminary budget for the 2017-18 school year with no tax increase.
The projected deficit would be about $650,000, with $350,000 of that being a capital reserve fund transfer to savings, although it is recorded as an expense. The preliminary budget that was adopted is in line with budgets in recent years.
Business manager Brenda Long reviewed current and projected district finances with the board. Projections for the remainder of 2016-17 show the district’s total account balances reduced by about $25,000 from June 2016. A plan was discussed to continue building up designated reserve funds that will ensure that the district has funding on hand to pay off current debt totaling $2.5 million, as well as pay for any building projects without incurring any future debt. Long and superintendent Matthew D. Splain recommended that Buffamante Whipple Buttefaro, PC continue as auditors for the district. They also requested that Hamlin Bank and Trust Company and The Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust be accepted as depositories. These recommendations were reviewed and accepted by the board.
Also, Christian Mattie III was approved to continue as the district’s solicitor.
An update was given by high school principal Harley Ramsey on the progress of the new weight room and cardio facility project. Flooring will go in next week.
Through a donation from the Otto-Eldred Sports Boosters, a four-station unit will be purchased which will be the centerpiece of the weight training center.
“The project is moving steadily forward, but we are still in need of donations to complete the project,” Ramsey said. “Funds for cardio equipment are especially important.”
He added that this new facility is integral to important changes the district is making to personalized learning. All students will be creating personalized wellness plans that will be the foundation of their physical education program. Students will set their own personal fitness goals, which will hopefully promote lifelong wellness.
The district is hoping to open the facility to community members by December. Anyone interested in contributing to this project can contact Ramsey directly.
Meanwhile, a staffing plan was adopted that would begin a fifth- and sixth-grade combined class to allow a third section of second grade. The board also asked administration to look at solutions that would allow three sections of core instruction in third grade.
Also approved was an administrative plan to align responsibilities between two building principals. After discussion on what else may be needed and what can fit into the budget, the board asked administration to explore possibly hiring a curriculum director.
Jodi Flexman was recommended and approved to begin as an assistant business manager effective July 1. She will transition to business manager by July 1, 2018, upon the expected retirement of Long.
Splain discussed results from a recent soccer interest survey that was done within the school district. The survey was conducted to gauge interest in a possible co-op for soccer. Approximately 255 students responded to the survey with some interest in possible participation if it were offered as a varsity sport.
Currently, 180 students participate in fall sports. The local youth sports organization, Little Nippers, is planning to offer a soccer program, which was another prompt to have a survey of interest.
A summer physical education class will be held during June for interested high school students. Students may sign up and obtain a permission slip in the high school office.
The Junior/Senior Banquet will be held at Good Times of Olean (N.Y.) on June 1 from noon to 3 p.m. Invited juniors and seniors only will be required to turn in permission slips by May 30 to attend.
