NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Capital Projects
At their Monday, May 21 meeting the NRHEG School Board discussed the weighty Capital Projects Budget, a hefty commitment which was the result of months of careful discussion.
Included in the budget plan for the coming year are:
Carpet (Two classrooms in NRHS), $4,000
Carpet (Two classrooms in ELL), $4,000
Replace Riding Scrubber NR, $12,800
Elem/HS Textbooks, $10,000
Library Books, $6,000
Band Equipment, $4,000
Athletic (Varsity, B Squad, Junior High), $10,000
Computer/Software (Ellendale), $28,000Computers/Software (New Richland), $29,000
Roofing Projects:
Gym W/Stage (postponed from 2011-12), $95,000
JH South Wing, $200,000
New Band Uniforms, $20,000
Replace Windows in Ell. Elementary, $122,000
Bus Cameras (labor not incl.), $21,000
Bus Garage Doors , $17,000
Bus, $80,000
JH/HS Lockers, $12,000
iPads/tablets, $43,000
Total, $717,800
The bus purchase was approved, and other items such as the band uniforms have already been purchased.
This may look like a lot of money, but isn’t as daunting when one reviews the capital expense budgets for past years. NRHEG spent over $500,000 annually on capital project in 2006-07 and 2007-08, while it was still spending down about $200,000 per year.
In 2008-09 the district entered into a building improvements agreement with Energy Services Group/Honeywell, which cost $5,199,000 over a 15-year loan. The work was completed this year, and the district still managed to improve its fund balance over these years even with this expenditure.
Once the district was assisted by an operating referendum, that money was used to bring the district back to a healthy positive fund balance, enabling them to consider new, much needed improvements.
Even so, a large percentage of the items on the capital budget are annual capital expenses.
Though capital revenue amounts to only about $150,000, the district has received considerable financial help through donations from local organizations like the NRHEG PTO, Band Boosters and local fire departments, as well as revenue from the First Bank Panther Card, and grant money from sources like HickoryTech and Microsoft.
Package for Elementary Principal
A set of salary and benefits package guidelines for the position of Elementary Principal was approved by the board. Details included a salary base of $75,000 - $88,000 dependent on qualifications and experience (which Supt. Kevin Wellen reported as “equitable” based on research through MSBA), Full Family insurance including VEBA not to exceed $23,076 annually, and $100,000 term life.
This proposal was approved for communication to former NRHEG administrator Paul Sparby for his consideration, as per requirements, to be sent in time for his response. Mr. Sparby’s deadline for acceptance was Wednesday, May 23.
New Food Service Plan
Concern about food service has led to the creation of a new plan for the NRHEG Food Service.
The plan involves the discontinuation of the position of Head Cook, and creating a new position of Lead Cook.
Sue Hill was recommended for the new position, which Wellen said would be equivalent to the position of Head Custodian, and would involve oversight over the food service at both buildings, including staff management and coordination of menus and resources.
A representative from the services coop is meeting with Wellen and Hill to make sure the plan meets the new state guidelines.