By MARGIE WUEBKER
mwuebker@dailystandard.com
MINSTER — Parents coming to register children for kindergarten
in the coming months will be taking part in a survey to determine
their interest in a proposed all-day format.
Minster Elementary School Principal Brenda Boeke handed out
information packets to Minster board of education members Monday
night outlining various scenarios.
Boeke has found only positive research regarding daylong kindergarten.
Generally, the decision comes down to parental preference.
“Research shows kids are less stressed out in all-day
kindergarten,” she said. “It’s go-go-go during
the 21⁄2 hours of half-day sessions.”
The school district is required by the state to offer half-day
sessions. If the all-day format is approved, one section would
be added. The remaining sections would continue on the half-day
format.
The program would be explained during parent meetings in March,
and Boeke would conduct the actual survey during April assessments
Superintendent Halver Belcher indicated no decision would be
made until the board takes action on the school’s five-year
plan.
Board members listened as Treasurer Laura Klosterman reviewed
permanent appropriations for fiscal year 2004. Her report, which
produced no satisfied smiles, could be labeled hot off the copy
machine as it was completed just two hours before the 7:30 p.m.
session.
“We’re going to pull the purse strings as tight
as possible,” she said. “Hopefully, we won’t
have to borrow to get through.”
Klosterman is anticipating general fund appropriations totaling
$6,741,744.23 as compared to $6,303,363 in fiscal year 2003.
Projected carryover is $60,000 at this point.
The treasurer noted tax delinquencies have increased during
the past three years, labeling it a sign of a troubled economy
on the local scene.
“Times are tough and sometimes the tax bill gets pushed
back,” she added. “This used to be minimal but the
numbers continue to climb.”
In other business, the board:
• Approved long-range projects including technology upgrades
for the large group room at the middle school, restroom upgrades
at the high school, an air conditioner for the elementary teacher
lounge, new signage and playground upgrades. No action was taken
on window or window panel replacement at the elementary building.
Additional input will be sought before a decision is made.
• Postponed taking action on the five-year forecast until
the next meeting to allow school officials to revisit the document
with updated numbers.
• Discussed proposed concession stand/pressbox/restroom
upgrades at the Melcher Street athletic field used for high
school baseball games. The athletic boosters have expressed
a desire in the project. No action was taken.
• Approved a change for pupil activity supervisor certification.
Although all faculty and staff must take first aid and CPR training,
only those with supplemental contracts are required to obtain
the $21 certification.
• Received an update on Wright State University teacher
education students who are working in the district. They include
Kyleen Seitz, Katie Eilerman, Andrea Householder and Tressa
Prasuhn.
• Reviewed progress in regard to the district’s
Continuous Improvement Plan.
• Hired Thomas Ruane as assistant junior high school girls
track coach as well as Margie Beckman and Linda Osterloh as
substitute cafeteria workers on an as-needed basis.
• Met in executive session for the purpose of personnel
evaluations. No action was taken.
• Set 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 as the time and date for the February
meeting.
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