The Plymouth School Board adopted the 2011 Budget, the Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan during their regular meeting on September 16. The board had held a workshop on August 19 on the matter and then advertised the budget and plans on both August 20 and August 27. A public hearing was held at the last school board meeting on September 2.
The 2011 was set at $33,370,294. Assistant Superintendent Rodger Smith said, “This goes to the Department of Government Financing and we anticipate cuts.” The Capital Projects Plan was submitted at $4,391,410. Smith explained that it is a three-year plan with 2011 being a fixed amount and 2012-2013, estimated. He said, “We expect considerable cuts.” Formerly the Bus Replacement Plan was on a 10-year schedule; however, the state switched it to a 12-year plan. Smith said they anticipate purchasing two full size buses and one smaller bus at a total of $229,933.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Robinson as a physical education teacher at both Menominee and Washington Elementary Schools. Robinson replaces John Scott. Scott was named Assistant Athletic Director at the last board meeting on September 2. At the September 13 meeting, the board also approved his transfer to Lincoln Junior High as a Language Arts teacher.
Dave Schoof, Maintenance Director, informed the board that the total utility operating costs per square foot for the corporation currently is $1.10 He said the cost in 2008 was $1.87 and 2009 was $1.31.
The board hears a maintenance and facilities report each year. During his report, Schoof talked about the strategic plan for maintenance, personnel and staffing needs, equipment repair and commissioning and capital projects.
Schoof said the department has closed 1785 maintenance tickets compared to 1552 work orders in 2009. He noted. “The 1785 shows a 13 percent increase while using less staff.”
Although the state only requires an inspection every three years by the state fire inspector, Schoof has teamed up with the Plymouth Fire Chief to perform an annual walk-through. Schoof said, “It’s an extra pair of eyes for us.”
Emphasis for the future will be on participating in the Indiana Coalition of Quality Schools, utility management, green cleaning practices and enhanced employee safety training, according to Schoof.
He said, “All of the summer projects were completed on time and on budget.”
After the meeting, Schoof said they are anticipating an increase in utility costs from NIPSCO for 2011.
Tyree said, “Dave (Schoof) has brought us into the 21st Century.”
The board discussed the first reading of the revised corporation vision statement. No action was taken; however, board members commented favorably on the proposed statement.
