The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Craig Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh, Davies, Blackman & Cramblet presented a gloomy picture of Southern's financial outlook at the school board meeting on Monday, October 28th.
Mr. Cavanaugh said that Southern had been in the black for the past seven years, but with the poor economy things are changing. Mr. Cavanaugh was quick to admit this is not the only school in financial trouble. Their firm audits eight schools of different sizes and they are all seeing red ink on this year's budget.
He said while consolidation will not solve all the problems it would help to have a larger enrollment. He compared consolidation to the late 50s when one room schools had to close and join together.
The board accepted a donation in the amount of $475 from Security Savings.
The school parking lot and circle drive have been blacktopped. The board voted to pay $567 for the marking of 99 parking stalls, which is already completed.
Monty Waddell said there were no reports on consolidation meetings between Union and Southern, except there would be a meeting on Monday, November 4th. He stated he did not want to attend this meeting and Karen Jack was unable to go so others from the school board were needed.
President Jon Corzatt suggested all board members attend the meeting, however, Superintendent Barber replied, that was not a good idea and that he would talk with Jon about it later. It was mentioned that the meeting was not open to the public.
Jon Corzatt and Doug Brooks agreed to attend the meeting.
The board approved the 2003 "tort plan levy" amount of $83,803. This pays for insurances, tort salaries, workman's comp, boiler inspections, unemployment, bleacher inspections, various architect services, attorney work and policy services.
Following a discussion on two bids received, a decision on installing air conditioning in the Ag department was tabled until spring.
In the Principal's report, Mr. Dale Buss:
The board entered closed session at 8:15 p.m. and returned to open session at 9:10 p.m. and did the following business:
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. until Monday, November 25th at 7 p.m.
In attendance was: board members, Monty Waddell, Mike Bundy, Jon Corzatt, Doug Brooks, Melissa Livermore and Barry Bigger (arrived at 7:10 p.m.); Superintendent Charles Barber; Secretary Sharri Richard; Principal Dale Buss; Craig Cavanaugh and Terri Copeland. Board member Karen Jack was absent.