By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
Buckeye Central has been selected to receive the Rural Education Achievement Program Grant. Superintendent Mark Robinson revealed this news during the correspondence portion of the meeting. Buckeye Central was one of a number of districts selected to receive a one-time injection of funds that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
This notification serves to inform the district it is eligible for these funds, should it choose to accept. To receive these funds, the district would have to submit the appropriate paperwork and submit to requisite auditing procedures. If the district decides to go ahead it will receive $42,213 to be spent in this fiscal year.
These funds could go toward a number of different causes such as teacher training, 21st learning programs, and technology. Robinson wanted to reinforce the idea that this would be a one-time payment, not something that could be used to add staff or take on the expenses of a recurring program. It also cannot supplant, which means that it cannot pay the expense of something district was planning to do anyway. If it is put toward a project the district was already planning, it must expand said program.
In other financial news, October is the month when five-year forecasts come due. Treasurer Nancy Ackerman had good news to report, chiefly that real estate tax revenues have increased by $18,000 in Seneca County over the same time last year. A casino revenue check has come in, and the carryover amounts and funds look to be in good shape. The first two months of this fiscal year are so far in line, the upcoming five-year forecast looks like it should be a good one.
In the superintendent’s report, Robinson outlined that he wants to make talking about the relationship between the superintendent and the board a regular feature of council meetings. By communicating clearly what each side expects from the other, the goal is to create a productive and constructive working relationship. In his view it is up to the board to govern and for the superintendent to administer. Each side needs to let the other do its job by communicating clearly. In that manner they build a foundation of trust.
Teachers who were rated as “Accomplished” last year, under new guidelines, do not need to be evaluated for two years. The new rules stipulate that in the first year and second years after receiving this grade, teachers need only undergo one observation and one conference. Administrations have much more latitude over what constitutes an “observation” as opposed to an “evaluation.” Despite lessening in stringency, Robinson still intends to observe teachers for a 40-minute class period each year, regardless of their rating.
The board gave permission for a survey of their lands in anticipation of the ET Rover Pipeline. This does not mean they give permission for the pipeline, simply that they agree to have the specified portion of their property surveyed. Robinson added that the piece of land as it stands is very small. Should this group come back later and want to survey a larger portion they would have to seek permission again.
The next board meeting will be again at 8 p.m., as opposed to the traditional 7 p.m., on Oct. 9 in the multi-purpose room.