East Holmes projected savings goes to higher preschool costs
An expected $50,000 in savings for East Holmes schools in the 2011-2012 school year was wiped out by increased cost in preschool programming.
East Holmes School District Superintendant Joe Edinger said Monday, August 15, at the monthly meeting of the East Holmes Board of Education, that an expected savings created by backing out of a program for troubled youth will be taken up by a 100 percent increase for handicapped preschool.
The district backed out of Project STAY at a savings of $45,000, its contribution to fund the program. However, the savings will now be needed to cover an increase from $2,820 to $4,660 per pupil for handicapped preschool.
“We had one child in Project STAY. It is grant funded, and with grant funds drying up, we decided not to participate,” Edinger said. “Basically, we’re trading Project STAY for preschool.”
Both programs were contracted services. Tri-County Educational Service Center is providing staff and support for the preschool, Edinger said, using classroom space and transportation provided by the Holmes County Training Center.
Edinger said 21 East Holmes students are expected to participate in the handicapped preschool program this year. While Edinger said he was surprised by the cost increase, he feels the program is worth it.
“The students in handicapped preschool get a significant jump on their school-age years,” Edinger said. “(East Holmes treasurer Marsha Clark and I) ran some quick numbers, and I’m not sure we could afford it for less.”
In other business, the school board approved hiring Patrick Miller to teach math part-time at Chestnut Ridge Elementary. Miller will be teaching classes that Chestnut Ridge Principal J.T. Luneborg was scheduled to begin this year, in addition to his administrative duties. Luneborg will instead teach a social studies class.
Miller previously taught a “long-term math assignment” at Chestnut Ridge as a substitute, Edinger said. In hiring Miller, the district will start out with an experienced math teacher, Edinger said.
Miller will also drive school bus for the district, transporting Buckeye Career Center students and a special needs students to school in Canton.
The board further hired Glenda Stephens as Berlin Title I teacher. Stephens is replacing Sally Smith, who retired from the district after 41 years in education.
An intervention teacher position at Mt. Hope Elementary was eliminated by board action Monday.
The board approved two vehicle purchases, as recommended by Edinger. A 2006 Chevy 2500 pick-up was purchased for $13,830 for general buildings and grounds use and a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country van was purchased for $12,500, to be used for food service. Both vehicles were purchased from Swiss Auto Mart.
The next meeting of the East Holmes Board of Education will be held Sept. 19.
East Holmes School District Superintendant Joe Edinger said Monday, August 15, at the monthly meeting of the East Holmes Board of Education, that an expected savings created by backing out of a program for troubled youth will be taken up by a 100 percent increase for handicapped preschool.
The district backed out of Project STAY at a savings of $45,000, its contribution to fund the program. However, the savings will now be needed to cover an increase from $2,820 to $4,660 per pupil for handicapped preschool.
“We had one child in Project STAY. It is grant funded, and with grant funds drying up, we decided not to participate,” Edinger said. “Basically, we’re trading Project STAY for preschool.”
Both programs were contracted services. Tri-County Educational Service Center is providing staff and support for the preschool, Edinger said, using classroom space and transportation provided by the Holmes County Training Center.
Edinger said 21 East Holmes students are expected to participate in the handicapped preschool program this year. While Edinger said he was surprised by the cost increase, he feels the program is worth it.
“The students in handicapped preschool get a significant jump on their school-age years,” Edinger said. “(East Holmes treasurer Marsha Clark and I) ran some quick numbers, and I’m not sure we could afford it for less.”
In other business, the school board approved hiring Patrick Miller to teach math part-time at Chestnut Ridge Elementary. Miller will be teaching classes that Chestnut Ridge Principal J.T. Luneborg was scheduled to begin this year, in addition to his administrative duties. Luneborg will instead teach a social studies class.
Miller previously taught a “long-term math assignment” at Chestnut Ridge as a substitute, Edinger said. In hiring Miller, the district will start out with an experienced math teacher, Edinger said.
Miller will also drive school bus for the district, transporting Buckeye Career Center students and a special needs students to school in Canton.
The board further hired Glenda Stephens as Berlin Title I teacher. Stephens is replacing Sally Smith, who retired from the district after 41 years in education.
An intervention teacher position at Mt. Hope Elementary was eliminated by board action Monday.
The board approved two vehicle purchases, as recommended by Edinger. A 2006 Chevy 2500 pick-up was purchased for $13,830 for general buildings and grounds use and a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country van was purchased for $12,500, to be used for food service. Both vehicles were purchased from Swiss Auto Mart.
The next meeting of the East Holmes Board of Education will be held Sept. 19.
Published: August 16, 2011
