Dr. May explained that the original plans approved by board members did show the swale and ditch but no one imagined how large they would be. After viewing the photographs, business manager Wendy Dennis explained to board members that principal Mike Hilliard was concerned for the safety of the small children that attend the school. Board members requested that Dennis get estimates on the cost for providing drainage and getting the swale covered or fenced.
The board was also informed that the Dodge County High School stadium project is being questioned by the state fire marshall.
Dennis then explained to board members that the state fire marshall had (by chance) ridden by the stadium after reviewing the North Dodge project and stopped at the school board office requesting to see the stamped, approved fire marshall plan. Dennis called Southern Pro (contractors hired for the stadium project) requesting a copy of the plan and was told, “This is a first for us.” The fire marshall explained to Dr. May and Dennis that additional lighting on the seating would have to be installed before the stadium could be used.
A temporary permit was issued to the school board for use of the stadium for graduation and also for the annual chamber of commerce July 4th fireworks show.
Board members requested that Dr. May contact their local attorney, Rita Llop, about the issue after Dennis told them that the additional lighting could cost around $50,000.00.
In other business, Dr. May updated board members on the student meal count outstanding balance. When the board voted to begin collecting past due meal fees, there was $9,942.43 outstanding. According to Dena Barrows, school food service director, the outstanding balance as of June 7, 2010 has been reduced to $1,260.49.
In personnel, resignations were accepted from Henry Mattiar, bus driver; Jimmy Bonds, bus driver; Megan P. Graham, Dodge County High School (DCHS) Science teacher; Shirley Mann, DCHS School Nutrition Worker; Lourianne H. Ivey, DCHS Special Education Paraprofessional; Ray Hardin, DCHS Driver’s Ed teacher and coach and Denesia Carr as Dodge County Middle School School Nutrition Worker.
Retirements were accepted from Linda Rowland, South Dodge Elementary School (SDES) teacher and Ann Walker SDES teacher.
Recommendations made by Dr. May that the board approved were for Carla Mills as the administrative secretary/bookkeeper at SDES to replace retiring Mary Wright and the pay grade change from a grade five to a grade six because of increased duties and accounting degree; Jennifer Harrison as school psychologist intern, James (Trey) Stephens as DCHS Math teacher and Tracey Harrell was rehired at SDES in a teaching position.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2010.
And still no mention of retiring the highly salaried people who could be retired and hiring people who would be just as capable and productive for much less money.
Every business desiring to make a profit and trim costs ALWAYS considers retiring and re-hiring. But who said our county deserves people who make sound businss adjustments based on trimming the fat?? The political ALWAYS outweighs the practical.