November 8, 2013 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description: 
After the special board meeting on Monday I went home and Binged information about school security.  The first few links (attached here) talked about the measures taken in schools, the cost of these measures and the impact on school violence.  I encourage you to read these articles to gain a broader perspective about what is working and not working in schools.  The safety of our children is no doubt an emotional topic of concern for all of us.  

Description: 
We have $89,368 available in the safe schools fund.  We're able to max. levy for approximately $30,000 each year.  As part of a budget reduction measure we allocated 65% of Eric Goodrich's (MS/HS social worker) time and 5% of Joel Swenson's time to safe school dollars.  The new annual dollars cover just these two salary costs.  

When the reserve $89,368 is spent there will be no additional new dollars unless either or both these salaries are redirected to the general fund.  This would not be my recommendation as the Board can use general fund dollars for cameras, card readers, etc.  The explanation is we do have some dollars in safe schools, but when it's gone (money intended to be used) there is no new available excess dollars.

MS/HS Building
Beginning on Tuesday, November 12 the east doors to the student parking lot will be locked during school hours.  The installation of a card reader will be approximately 4 weeks.

Elementary Building
Beginning on Tuesday, November 12 the east doors will be locked during school hours.  The visitor parking lot will become strictly available for visitors.  Parents and community members should not be expected to park near the ice rink or ball field and walk around to the south side of the building.

The northeast and northwest doors will have card readers installed for employee access.  This should resolve the concerns about parking in the available spots by the playground fence and ball field.

We will advertise and hire someone to be stationed at the south doors during school hours.  The compensation should be similar to a 1st year secretary position at $11.24/hour.  This individual will complete much needed clerical duties for the elementary office and community education.  He/she will be given a desk and wireless laptop to work on tasks while monitoring the only entrance and welcoming our visitors.

Cameras will be installed at all the door entrances and other interior locations.  This will be the last completed item as they take longer to install.

Liz Verley's Findings at the Elementary School
Liz observed the number of visitors at the elementary school on Tuesday, November 5.  She counted between 8:15 AM and the departure of the afternoon buses.  5 people entered through the east doors and 150+ entered the south doors.      

Description: 
Please find attached an email message I sent out today to all school district employees.  Also attached are the photos used to illustrate how we can add additional security measures, keep our children safer during parent drop offs and pick ups and accommodate our visitors better.  None of these benefits will come at the expense of our employees. 

Description: 
Sue and I agreed to monitor the expenses of hiring Gene's mechanical services compared to employing our own mechanic.  As we hoped this has been a good arrangement so far (see below).

Jon, I figured up what labor charges were for the month of October.  Gene’s labor was $844.00, labor performed by bus drivers at $8.00 an hour came to $556.00.  This totals $1400.00.  The mechanic (district employed)  wages for the month of October would have been roughly $1680.00plus benefits.  This is a savings of approximately $280.00 and the knowledge that our buses were serviced with a certified mechanic.

The hours put in by the drivers include seat repair, lights, rust removal from bumpers, buses to North Central for warranty work and changing tires when needed.  Seat repair is probably most of the hours as if we can keep ahead of a major tear it saves us from having to replace the skins.  Also, many of the buses need to have the metal seat frame repaired as the inspectors are very particular about the condition of the seats themselves along with the skins.  The same with the rust on the exterior of the bus, if we can sand and paint it before it works through, this saves the district money from a body shop bill. 

I notify Gene approximately 500 miles before a service is due and he usually performs the work either in the evening or on the weekend which allows us to not have a bus out of service. If it  is something other than a service, I will notify Gene of the issue so he can have the necessary parts available. 

It seems to be working very well and we have no disgruntled drivers anymore.

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I completed the registration for both our hotel rooms and conference.  Please let me know by December 1st if you do not plan on attending.  I will cancel your hotel room and the School District will receive a full refund. 

Description: 
There are no bills this week requiring your approval.  Mary is home sick with strep.  The bills will come out next week in the board packet.