SIDNEY — Fairlawn Local School administrators informed the board of education Thursday of plans to upgrade academic opportunities. The plans are to incorporate changes with cost savings to maintain financial solvency for the 2017-18 school year.
In reviewing the quarterly financial update, Treasurer Keith Doseck said expenditures have been less than expected and the forecast reflected a fiscally sound year-end to the current school year. At this point, Doseck estimated the district would have a $170,000 General Fund carryover.
He informed the board that many unpredictable variables could occur before the budget is set. He said the district is currently paying approximately $15,000 annually for each employee for health insurance. Uncertainty in labor costs exist because the current contract with the Fairlawn Teachers’ Association is in its final year.
Doseck also reminded the board that the state’s six-year re-evaluation on agricultural property is at hand. He said state officials have indicated a drop in valuation is on the horizon, which will lessen property tax income to the district.
Superintendent Jeff Hobbs indicated negotiations would begin soon on a new teacher’s pact. He stated that union leaders and teachers have indicated to him they feel they now have a voice in the district. Hobbs felt positive about the groups working together to reach an agreement.
High School Principal Rebekka Egbert said she and K-8 Principal John Stekli have been working together on the master academic schedule. The plans call for juniors and seniors who attend the Upper Valley Career Center to have all academic classes at Fairlawn next school year.
Hobbs said students will spend a half day at each location, and the move will also provide another cost-savings for the district.
Testing oversight
He also reported he has been overseeing planning sessions regarding student testing. He feels the current Pre-K through high school curriculum is not at the level it should be, and it’s his role to maximize learning opportunities for students.
He spoke of teachers taking professional development courses and incorporating steps to improve state testing results. Hobbs is currently examining better use of resources of the Shelby County Educational Service Center in possibly moving all special education management in-house next school year.
Board member Rita Gilfillen spoke of the school’s volunteer program to help students pass the Ohio Third Grade Reading Guarantee test was having good results. Stekli said the program increased the testing results by 10 percent.
Currently, 55 percent of third grade student have passed the test, which is on the same level as most county schools, he said.
It was also noted that all Fairlawn seniors have passed the Ohio Graduation Test.
Grant possibilities
In another money matter, Hobbs was optimistic that Fairlawn would have a good opportunity to be awarded the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, the program is a federal grant that assists with the funding of before and/or after-school programs. The purpose of the grant is to extend the students’ learning day by providing academic enrichment activities including tutorial services to help students meet state and local student academic content standards in core subjects, such as reading and math.
Hobbs said the grant could total $600,000 for use over a three to five-year period. It would be aimed at program for students in grades 3-5.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a two-year limited contract to current Athletic Director Justin Tidwell to remain in the position beginning June 1, 2017. His salary will be determined once a new teacher’s contract is adopted. He is currently earning $30,000 annually.
• Named Bob Gold as board president and Mark Henman as vice president.
• Set the board member compensation rate at $80 per meeting during 2017 not to exceed 13 meetings.
• Agreed to keep their regular board meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Room 122.
• Heard that 16 former players will be among the 35 people returning for the 30th anniversary of the 1986 girls volleyball team going to the state tournament. On Feb. 11, a recognition ceremony will be held at halftime of the boys’ varsity game against Lincolnview.
• Were informed that Kim Metz, Sue Gump, and Rusty Cottrell will be the next inductees to the Fairlawn Hall of Honor.
• Noted that $100 each in donations were received from board members Tony Bensman, Andy Brautigam, Rita Gilfillen, Bob Gold and Mike Henman to Fairlawn Schools.
• Accepted a donation of $250 from B. Rogers and Sons for the Seth Rogers Scholarship Fund.
• Accepted the following donations: three to the Fairlawn FFA from Shelby County Farm Bureau, Inc. ($150), Shelby County Trustees and Fiscal Officers ($200), and from Kenneth and Brenda Schlater ($50); to the school from Go Jets, Inc., $2,770 for shot clocks; and, to the Everett Memorial from the Fairlawn Athletic Boosters, $2,115.
