By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
Living by the admonition “it is more blessed to give than receive,” the Galion school board gave Thursday hoping to reap blessings literally down the road.
With Mayor Tom O’Leary present, the Galion Board of Education passed a resolution to deed two parcels of land to the city, for the purposes of constructing the Hesby Drive that will be vital to the 598 widening project. This will allow vehicle access to the School grounds and serve as a detour route during the project.
O’Leary reported that if work on this drive can begin in early April, which is what is expected as of now, then this alternate route will be available for when the bridge over the Olentangy will begin its 120 day shutdown in early June.
Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the community, O’Leary assured the Board that, “By the time you come back in the fall, if the bridge isn’t done, you’ll have bus access.”
Treasurer Terri Day presented the January 2014 numbers, and they did not make for pleasant reading. During the month, the district took in $983,326 and had expenditures of $1,235,949. This shortfall of $252,623 dropped the cash balance from $1,764,052 to $1,511,429. Much of this shortfall can be explained by the amount going to open enrollment out, which was $87,913, and that going with the students who attend community schools, $73,320. The total money traveling with students out of the school is $161,233 against only $37,983 from open enrollment into the district.
The district did receive a casino tax payment of $51,001.62 that was transferred to the Permanent Improvement Fund. This helps alleviate some pressure on the general fund for permanent improvements.
Several issues were discussed with an eye toward next year, as curriculum director Sandy Powell presented the board with a plan to shift some high school offerings to semester courses. This would help with students who transfer in or out, and in course recovery, as it would not make the entire course a write off for these students. If someone transfers in mid-year, they will have the opportunity to at least gain half a credit. Also, if a student flunks the first semester of course to the point where passing for the year (in the current system) would be impossible, it gives them the chance to at least gain half a credit, and the subsequent credit recovery program would only involve recovering the other half credit.
The school calendar for 2014-15 was finalized, with graduation being set at June 5. The calendar will look very similar to 13-14, but with a few changes. Early dismissal dates have been set at the first and third Wednesday of every month, winter break will be a full two weeks, and Thanksgiving break will be three days long.
Missy Strausser, mother of Carter Strausser, a Galion special needs student with autism, spoke to the Board about Tigers for Special Needs. This is a group that has been spearheaded by Strausser and Julie Fackler, to raise money that would stay in the district and go to benefit Galion students with special needs. They are hosting a fundraiser on March 1, at the Galion Varsity Grille toward this end. There will be live music, auctions, and raffles toward this end.
“I’m so grateful for what this district does,” Strausser said, “I don’t think people realize what an awesome thing we have here.”
The NCC championship wrestling team was given recognition by the board, with coaches and players receiving certificates from the administration. Three wrestlers: Johnathan Harris, Deaken McCoy, and Tristan Schroeder will be competing in the district tournament.