Monticello Live

At Thursday evening’s monthly School Board meeting, Superintendent Johnston gave an update on the vandalism issue. The students apologized to the School Board at last month’s meeting. It was determined that the monetary damages owed by the students was $384.26, and the students were given an option of paying the debt or working it off at the school. Two students paid their debt. Five of the students opted to work off their portion, and some of the others have worked off part of their debt and paid off the rest. The students spent time over a two-week period working at the school, doing such jobs as operating the weed-eater and chiseling gum off the sidewalk. Mr. Johnston commented that these students worked hard, and commended the students on their excellent and very respectful attitudes while working for the school. He stated that he is very proud of their exemplary conduct in response to the situation, and is sure they have learned a valuable life lesson. One of the young men has been awarded a college basketball scholarship.

Ms. Paige Caldwell addressed the School Board about the possibility of starting a school track team. Ms. Caldwell presented the many ways in which a track team would benefit the students physically, socially, and emotionally. A significant number of Drew Central parents were present to show their support for Ms. Caldwell’s request. After listening to the presentation, Superintendent Johnston recommended that the School Board review the costs involved in establishing and operating a track team in relation to the school budget. He pointed out that the school still has not purchased all the necessary equipment or built restrooms or bleachers needed to accommodate attendees at their football games. The Board voted to table the matter for further review and consideration.

The School Board voted, based on the current budget and budget projections, to give each School District employee a $500 raise. This will be the first raise since 2007.

The School Board voted to approve creation of a fourth pre-school class. This class will be funded through grants from CCDF, a division of Child Care Services, and will assist income-qualifying families.

The School Board voted to accept the bid of GCA Group Services for a one-year contract to clean and maintain the schools. The school district has had a great deal of trouble finding substitute custodial workers when the regular workers are absent, and this has created a hardship for the school. Four companies toured the school several months ago, and submitted bids. GCA’s original bid was $211,867.80. The school district had been paying $209,882 for custodial work. The school district plans to transfer the current school custodians to GCA. One of the employees resigned, and one retired. After all adjustments were made for employee pay, GCA submitted a low bid of $203,617.87. This will include all employees, equipment and supplies necessary to maintain the schools. GCA currently does the custodial work for El Dorado, Smackover and Dewitt, as well as other schools. They received excellent references from their clients.

The School Board voted to approve payment of unused sick leave to the current custodial staff, who will be transferred to the GCA Group Services. The standard policy is that if an employee retires, all unused sick leave will be paid to the employee. If the employee resigns, they forfeit the sick pay. Since these employees are being transferred, the Board will pay them for their unused sick leave. This is a one-time occurrence.

Superintendent Johnston reviewed the summer work projects for the school this year. A fire alarm system is being installed, and should be completed by July 1. Concrete work is being done to repair flood areas where the buses load students. An area in front of the Middle School is being repaired. This involved tearing out the sidewalk to install drain pipes. Mr. Terry, one of our custodians, is now painting all the exterior doors around campus. Some painting will be done in the classrooms as well. Grounds work is being done. The entrances to the buildings are being power washed, and gum and other debris cleaned off the buildings and sidewalks. Carpets will be cleaned, and ceiling tiles in the kitchen replaced. There are no major building projects this summer; the summer will be spent cleaning and fixing up the school.

The 2014-2015 budget was presented and approved, and the incoming superintendent, Mr. Billy Williams will be placed on all school accounts.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 14th, 2013 at 7:41 am and is filed under Drew Central News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.