ELDRED — The Otto-Eldred school board held its reorganizational meeting Tuesday evening.
Marlene Lang and Lisa Beaver were sworn into two-year terms taking over two vacated seats. Keith Cousins, Richard Rivers, Maureen Raught and Jeannine Gray were all sworn into four-year terms. Cindy Murphy was re-elected president and Matthew Windsor as vice-president of the board.
The board heard from Dave DiTanna from Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro, PC, who provided the local audit findings and performance report. BWB determined that Otto-Eldred’s financial statements are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals, providing Otto-Eldred the highest level of compliance with with federal programs. During 2016-17, Otto-Eldred had a decrease of just over $200,000 in the general fund, with a gain of over $300,000 in the capital reserve fund. Additionally, the cafeteria saw a slight surplus, which will be used to update kitchen equipment in each building. Overall, DiTanna provided a glowing report for the district.
In old business, the school board was provided an update to the extracurricular participation policy which would provide parents flexibility by allowing other responsible adults to transport participants home after events. This policy was reviewed and new policy ideas were formed from a committee composed of administration, staff, coaches and parents. The policy would also simplify the process for parents to take participants home after events.
Also, the purchase of new marching band uniforms was approved, upon request of color guard advisor, Tammy Reitler. Uniforms will be ordered within the next month to ensure deliver prior to the start of next school year.
Meanwhile, a resolution of support for a new Homeland Security program at the Seneca Highlands CTC was approved. A county-wide effort is underway to secure funding to get the program started at no cost to the CTC.
The school board also agreed not to raise taxes above the Act 1 Index. This resolution provides property owners a small property tax reduction through state gambling money, as well as ensures that if the district does raise taxes for 2018-19, it would not be more than the Act 1 index of 3.8 percent.
Repository bids were accepted for two properties from Gary Strait and Gerald Schimp.
Various staffing and supplemental positions were approved. Jolene Johnson was approved as a substitute teacher for the district. Debbie Miller was approved as a substitute cafeteria and teacher’s aide. Jill Zickefoose was approved as a substitute teacher’s aide. Gary Bernard was approved as a substitute custodian. Troy Cook was approved as the new varsity football coach for the 2018 season. Cook previously served as an assistant track and football coach for the district.
An early dismissal was approved for Friday, Dec. 22. Elementary dismissal will begin at 1 p.m., with high school following at 1:25 p.m.
