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March 1998 Buildings and Grounds Mr. Joe Campbell reported the Patton Middle School Construction project is progressing well. The heating system is now complete, the electrical work is almost done and quarry tile floor 95% installed. While there have been some minor delays, the district is on schedule to move into the new classrooms and gym during the week of Spring Break (April 6-10). It appears the entire project will be completed in July as originally planned. Curriculum Council Several items were discussed at the February Curriculum Council according to Dr. Stephen Gring. A request was made to have the district consider adding German to the middle school foreign language program. Dr. Gring said the addition would be studied as part of the new curriculum cycle which begins in the 1998-99 school year. Also discussed was the possibility of permitting students to audit courses without receiving credit. The issue will be explored further at the board's April work session. Finance Dr. Letang reported that the board voted to refinance [ our Bond Series of 1993 and 1996] and secure $10 million in new money at a special work session held on March 9 through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds. The total principal amount was $28,640.000. According to the district financial advisor, Glen Williard from Public Financial Management, the school district will realize a benefit of approximately $400,000 through the refinancing. This savings will be used to offset the cost of the new borrowing for the next two years. The board approved bid awards for furniture and equipment for the new construction of the Patton Middle School totaling $85,250.86. Items included in the bids were furniture for a music room, art equipment, classroom desks, file cabinets and classroom tables. Authorization was also given by the board to solicit bids for a new phone system at the middle school. The board tabled the approval of the PA Department of Education self-certification for the Unionville Elementary School roof replacement pending additional information about how this will be affected by the upcoming elementary renovation project. Transportation Ann Michelini recommended that a transportation survey be developed to find out what parents consider a reasonable amount of time for students to be on the bus in transit to school. It was agreed that a survey would be developed working with Dr. Garris to make sure the survey provides complete information linking "time on the bus" to cost implications. The survey will be developed and brought back to the board for approval and ultimately sent home with each elementary student. Policy In the newly created position of policy liaison, Kammy Franz proposed that in considering the adoption/revision of school board policy, proposals would be publicly discussed several times in order to promote dialogue among the board and receive input from the community. The Board endorsed that procedure. Dialogue continued among board members about a policy addressing Budget Adoption. Board members specifically discussed how much money the district should maintain as an unreserved fund balance at the end of each fiscal year and how the fund balance should be used. A vote is expected in April. Policies dealing with Charter Schools and Home Schooling are next on the agenda, according to Mrs. Franz. The board hopes to finalize both policies to take effect during the 1998-99 school year. Superintendent's Report Dr. Garris stated that transfers of teachers would be communicated through letters in May. He announced a special work session of the board to finalize the room schedule criteria for the elementary building project immediately following the board meeting. The meeting was open to the public. Board Schedules Another Special Work Session To Discuss Elementary Facilities The board and the administration will continue to define the scope of the elementary facility project at a special work session on Monday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the library classroom at the high school. Once the room schedules for each option have been agreed upon, the options will be priced out by an independent architect so the board can consider the financial impact of each option. This detailed analysis will provide the board with data to yield a fair comparison between the K-5 and split configurations. As with all work sessions, the public is welcome to attend. The board has scheduled a vote on how to proceed with this project for its April 20 meeting. Upcoming Meetings
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