The Plymouth School Board voted unanimously on Thursday, July 5 to transfer monies from the Capital Projects Fund to a Rainy Day Fund. The vote was to transfer $150,000 into the Rainy Day that they plan to keep building. The board had discussed establishing a Rainy Day Fund in 2016 and indicated that the unused portion of the Capital Projects Fund was in response to that discussion.
As needed administration duties at the high school have shifted, the position of Dean of Students will not be filled after the transfer of Ken Olson who has been serving in that capacity to one of two assistant principals. The position title will remain, however, in the event that duties would be reallocated in the future.
Similarly, the Weidner School of Inquiry will now be directed solely by Jennifer Felke. Felke and Mike Delp had share the duties as co-directors prior to Delp’s appointment to that of PHS Athletic Director at the last board meeting. It was noted that Felke’s pay will not increase.
A revision to the Classified Conditions of Employment will mean shifting all bus drivers from a daily rate to an hourly rate. Superintendent Andy Hartley said the change will allow overtime pay.
The meeting agenda listed consideration of the Teacher Evaluation Plan and the Michiana Behavioral Health Care Center Agreement. Both were unanimously approved with no changes from the previous year’s plan or agreement.
A clarification of Authorization for Timely Payments of Claims resolution was approved on a vote of 5-0. According to Jeff Houin, board legal council, the authorization specifically mirrors language in the statute set by the state. The authorization would allow the business manager to make payments that come due prior to a meeting of the board and then would be reported to the board. It was noted that the authorization would be only for billing that would need to be paid by a due date and could avoid late payments and late payment fees.
Administration contracts and conditions and benefits will remain unchanged with the exception of small changes for two positions. Benefits will occur a small decease according to Business Manager Kandi Tinkey.
The next Board meeting will be on August 7 at 7:00 P.M.
Carol Anders Correspondent
