| Bryan Sterns was hired to be principal of Arnoldsburg Elementary School at last night's school board meeting. Sterns is replacing Dr. Gene Rizzo, who resigned amid a controversy, after some Arnoldsburg parents said he was not fit for the position.
Director of Curriculum Greg Cartwright gave a brief report to the board about all three county schools, Calhoun Middle-High School, Pleasant Hill and Arnoldsburg, meeting the state's requirement of Average Yearly Progress.
"We're pleased with the results on our report card, but we realize we've got work to do," he said.
Cartwright told the board he has "an exciting announcement" to make at the September 29 special board meeting, regarding a large grant the county is receiving.
Cartwright discussed universal pre-kindergarten with the board.
Facilities Director Donnie Pitts expressed concern to the board about rising fuel costs. He said with current increases, the county will have to come up with $32,000 more for gasoline, making the county's gasoline bill reach $100,000 annually.
While many athletic and extra-curricular trips have been absorbed by the system, often with the group paying for a bus driver, Pitts said groups will have to come up with gas money, estimated at 30 cents a mile.
Superintendent Ron Blankenship said some special trips have been canceled, and boosters and supporters are being asked to help defray the expenses of other events.
"It is unfortunate," said Pitts, "but we're still worried about just obtaining the gasoline." The bus fleet operates on diesel.
Board member Don Harris raised the issue of requiring school buses to be parked at the end of the route, which he described as "opening a can of worms."
Pitts said he will be looking into the matter further, but indicated there are many factors that prevent such a blanket rule, including finding a secure place to park the bus and finding electrical hook-ups for warming engines during winter driving.
"There are many issues and problems about such a policy," he said, indicating the transportation program has "been pretty efficient."
The school system must carry the financial burden of paying for gasoline, but reimbursement eventually comes from the state at about 90%, sometimes over a year later.
There was a discussion about the projected increase for food service costs, linked to the cost of fuel.
"Everything is going up," said Pitts. "Most of the suppliers are adding a surcharge already."
Blankenship said a special meeting is being called next week regarding expulsion hearings and filling vacancies. "We have some openings with no qualified people available," he said.
More to following...
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