DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred School board meeting was highlighted Tuesday evening with several budget discussions as they prepare for a final approval in June, and with the placement of Timothy Burris as the new athletic director.
Burris, an O-E alumnus and current physical education teacher, will begin his position as the new AD this June, succeeding long time athletic director, Ed Reitler, who resigned from the position.
The board received a 2019-20 budget update from Superintendent Matthew Splain. Currently, budget projections show a deficit of $635,000, based on flat revenues. After including known increases and making numerous reductions, the overall projected expenses for 2019-20 are $100,000 less than the current year. Changes in revenue projections were discussed, which would, in total, reduce the deficit to $435,000.
Splain noted that he and business manager, Jodi Flexman have reviewed budgeted expenses with a fine-tooth comb, and at this point, unless substantial cuts are made, there is no more room to “shave” expenses. All present were in agreement to continue on the current path of budgeting, and if any further substantial cuts are to be made, to minimize the impact on students. The board will be updated again in April of any additional recommended reductions. Elementary principal Lindsay Burns reported that Read Across America was a fun-filled week promoting literacy and a joy for reading at the elementary. Burns also reported that they will be adding a health curriculum to the 5th and 6th grade for the next school year.
A recycling project has been initiated in the elementary that supports the social studies curriculum for the months of March and April.
A representative from the Otto Township Lions Club, Tom Merry, presented an offer from the Lion’s Club to replace the trees at the high school. The board was in favor of pursuing the donation and will work with the Lion’s Club to determine the best species of tree and location.
Meanwhile, the board approved a 12 percent healthcare premium increase for 2019-20, above the 8.86 percent required. Due to the district’s healthcare experience in 2017-18, it was recommended that the district pay the additional amount to pay back the amount owed from 2017-18. OESD premium deposits were about $56,000 short of covering required costs for 2017-18.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the teacher’s association was approved that will provide a retirement incentive to staff through the remainder of 2018-19. Any staff retirements may have an impact on budget and programming.
A donation to the Eldred Fire/Ambulance Services was approved to support necessary renovations. The Eldred fire department regularly provides educational activities related to fire prevention and safety to our students as well as providing emergency services when needed.
In staffing, Malari Lapp was approved to substitute teach this spring to cover a maternity leave in April and May. Mark Miller was approved to assist with all of the musical ensembles for the remaining of the school year. Ryan Nielsen was approved as a volunteer for the baseball team. Donna Veilleux was approved as a scorekeeper for the upcoming softball season, and Dan Dalton was approved as the baseball game manager.
In other news, Fawn Miller will take 20 students to the Elk Lick Scout Camp on April 16 and May 2 for the Envirothon Study Day and for the Envirothon Competition.
The prom will be held on May 11 at the Sawyer Evangelical Church from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The annual Night of Games (seniors vs. faculty) will be held on March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
