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Red Hill starts new school year with proposed balanced budget  Share
The Red Hill Unit 10 school district board accepted a temporary budget of $9.2 million for the 2009-10 school year. While it is considered a ''balanced budget,'' Superintendent Matt Seaton said, ''it is pretty well maxed out.'' The main concern, however, is whether or not the current six-month backlog of payments expected from the state will continue to be delayed. Currently, the state owes the district $250,000 from last year. ''We may have to make adjustments before that cash comes in,'' Seaton said. The board set a budget hearing for 7:30 p.m., September 24 during the next school board meeting. The beginning of the new year went as well as can be expected, according to Seaton. ''The year seems to be off to a good start,'' new Red Hill High School Principal Clarence Gross reported. New Bridgeport Grade School Principal Jakie Walker informed the board about a well-attended ''Meet the Teachers Night'' and the Beta Club fifth grade orientation night, last week. He also repsonded to questions concerning the lunch and recess hour and its compliance with the government mandated wellness plan. Currently, a total of 35 minutes is taken for the lunch/recess time. Physical education classes are also attended by students daily. Pre-K Coordinator Tonya Pauley reported that 80 Pre-K students would have their first classes on Monday (Aug. 24).
Despite some problems associated with new bus routes, Seaton reported that things were being worked out and overall, most were understanding of the route schedule. ''The kids need to be waiting on the bus...not the bus waiting on the kids,'' board member Roger Kissen reminded parents and guardians to help the schedule run more timely. Maintenance Supervisor Tim Emmons gave an update on completed and current work on district campuses. One of the highlights of his report was the installation of new rerouted pipes for the heating system at the Sumner Attendance Center. Since roof units are not currently operational at BGS, Emmons also said that a portable air-conditioner was installed on Thursday (Aug.20) in the library. New bus mechanic Eric Andrews also gave a report on district transportation. Two new buses were received prior to the beginning of school. Gary Ochs, RHHS ag instructor told the board that 30 more students had enrolled in the program over last year. A tractor raffle is continuing to raise funds for the department with 500 tickets sold so far. The drawing will be during the RHHS Homecoming game on October 9. In employment issues, the board accepted the resignations of Deana Adamson, bus driver, and Margaret Lukens, Pre-K bus aide. They also employed Celeste Helderman, BGS Physical Education classroom aide; Michal Hendy, BGS Special Education classroom aide; Nancy Greentree, BGS personal aide/SAC personal aide; Bill Cox, bus driver; Nona Noble, Special Education van aide; Buttons Laughlin, Pre-K bus aide; Jodi Greenlee, RHHS Special Education teacher; Carol Rosselli and Linda Forster, BGS Title I teachers; Cassie Schultz, RHHS yearbook sponsor; Marsha Heath, RHHS cheerleading coach; Elizabeth Cogdill, RHHS $1 volleyball coach; Jordan Tucker, RHHS $1 girls' basketball coach; Jacee Rhinehart, RHHS $1 cheerleading coach; Brooke York, SAC $1 girls' softball coach, and Jody Cannon, SAC $1 girls' basketball coach. In other employment issues, they authorized administration to advertise for a reading teacher at Petty School and a Special Education Aid at BGS. In other business, the board: - approved a three-year contract between the district and the Red Hill Education Association. - approved a three-year contract between the district and bus drivers. - accepted a bid from Ideal Pest Command for $4,800 to treat all district buildings. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
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