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Fieldcrest Board to address building issues

Thursday, December 18, 2014 - Posted 12:00:21 PM by Superintendent Dan Oakley
The Fieldcrest CUSD 6 Board of Education held its annual Truth In Taxation hearing, as well as the regular December Board meeting, on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Members present were Tammi Coons, Scott Hillenburg, Joe Kirkpatrick, Greg Kroeschen, and Tim McNamara. Also present were Superintendent Dan Oakley, South Principal Jason Chaplin, and staff members Garilyn Wells, Cindi Koudelka, Jennifer Bartman, and Barb Petri. Also present was community member Dave Uphoff.  

The annual Truth in Taxation hearing was held in accordance with legal requirements associated with the annual district levy. Superintendent Oakley presented the Board with a reminder of the mechanics of the levy, as well as historical tax rates and extensions utilized to help determine the year's levy. Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the levy. 

In Board action during regular session, the Board: adopted the FY15 levy; adopted a resolution supporting the Vision 20/20 initiative, after a presentation by Mr. Oakley; adopted changes to the FY16 high school course offerings; approved the superintendent to pursue a contract with Digital Copy Systems for a new three-year copier lease; approved renewals of the district's insurance policies; approved school improvement plans from each building; adopted an updated Risk Management Plan; waived the first reading of a policy update package; approved Sherry Persic's extended leave request; approved an updated administrative compensation report; and approved an ongoing intergovernmental agreement with the Lostant school district for tuitioning students to Fieldcrest High School. 

In personnel action, the Board: hired Thomas Derry as a part-time dual-credit instructor; Mark McNamara as a driver in the district, and Dave Dunham and Mike Seggerman (current employees) to fill open routes from a recent retirement; Colby Vernay as freshman boys' basketball coach; and recognized the resignations of Thomas Derry as a driver, as well as Cindi Koudelka as Key Club and high school scholastic bowl coach after the 2014-2015 school year. 

Mr. Oakley addressed building concerns, with the discovery of ongoing infrastructure problems such as the electrical systems in the high school and East and the water pipe problems at East. Oakley noted that these costs are additional to repairs estimated approximately three years ago, and that the costs of repairing buildings over the next 30 years is rapidly outpacing the cost of alternatives.  Oakley noted that the Board has previously talked more generally about future building options, and while some conversation has also been held among community members for several years, issues have reached the point financially regarding building repairs for the Board to formally review its options and make a decision on how to move forward. Oakley noted that there will likely be something on the January board agenda regarding this process. The Board engaged in some discussion regarding the building conditions and possible options. 

Mr. Chaplin spoke to the Board regarding activities at South, and specifically talked about a state-required assessment of kindergarten students that was extensive and dramatic in scope. Principals around the state are trying to determine how to make time for the KIDS assessment.  The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 pm at Fieldcrest High School band room, with closed session starting at 6:30 pm.