| By Bob Weaver
The issue of Calhoun Schools charging bus mileage for extra-curricular activities appears to be moving toward a solution, after a number of parents associated with athletic booster groups complained to the school board.
Groups already pay for bus drivers to outside activities.
Roger Propst, a spokesperson for the Middle School Boosters, said the mileage charge was "double-dipping," since the system gets reimbursed for 90% of the gasoline costs.
Superintendent Ron Blankenship prepared a draft policy for school bus trips, which will be issued for public comment for 30 days, after which time board members will likely vote on a new policy.
Board president Carlene Frederick said "It seems to me that groups ought to pay 10% of the fuel costs," the part not reimbursed by the state.
Fuel costs are a critical problem for the county, Blankenship said, "We were paying $2.59 a gallon in March and yesterday, a few days later, we paid $2.77 a gallon."
Gasoline costs locally were either near or exceeding the $3 mark last night.
Blankenship submitted a 1988 policy for consideration, after which board member Don Harris said the policy should "be clear and present what we want."
Board member Joy Starcher said the draft did "not contain enough information."
Blankenship said he would work on modifying the wording in the policy.
Longtime Calhoun educator and Calhoun High School principal Mike Offutt submitted his resignation. Offutt will be going to Roane County, where he will be employed as an administrator. His job has been posted.
Director of Curriculum Gregg Cartwright told the board that Head Start, whose services were once provided by a private company which has lost its license, is moving ahead with support from the local school system.
"We're making good progress with Head Start," he said, which is currently being delivered by a temporary operator.
Cartwright said services have been moved from Grantsville to Pleasant Hill School and a modular building, formerly used for the program, could be moved adjacent Arnoldsburg Elementary School.
"The current plan could really benefit Arnoldsburg area children," he said.
The board held a hearing regarding the 2006-2007 budget after which they voted to approve it.
Finance director Connie Roberts said the school budget would really be in financial trouble if "all three of our buildings were not in such good condition."
The board approved administrative contracts for eight administrators.
A citizen's appeal regarding a student expulsion was not heard since the individual did not show to the meeting, and the board sustained the expulsion.
A transportation request was approved for a MHHCC peer mentoring group to go to Kings Island on June 6.
A volunteer agreement was approved for Sharon Yeager for Pleasant Hill School.
A wellness policy draft was introduced and the 2006-2007 school calendar was approved.
The list of personnel matters will follow.
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