August 23, 2000
H-L top priority is to stay open
By Jane Tomaszewski
Correspondent
BASCOM - "Keeping our school operating is our number one priority," summarized Hopewell-Loudon board president Greg Siebenaller.
The board was discussing its levy options at a special session Tuesday night.
In November, Hopewell-Loudon will ask for a replacement of its three-year, 5.3-mill operating levy.
A replacement levy keeps the same millage as originally voted, but with the re-evaluation, would generate an additional $71,000 yearly. That breaks down to an additional $75 per student per year.
With the rollback in the 20-year bond levy, a taxpayer would actually realize a savings in actual tax dollars.
"It's a win-win situation for everybody.The school will see a slight growth in their operating funds and the taxpayer will keep more in his pocket,"Steve Dandurand said .
The board decided against placing a 1/4 percent income tax issue for permanent improvements on the November ballot . "We need these operating funds first," Superintendent Steve Puctha said.
"We've got to pass a levy in November," he said.
The board adopted a truancy policy aimed at encouraging parental involvement in compelling a child's attendance at school and delineating the legal procedure in prosecuting delinquent students and parents.
The school will contact the parents on the second unexcused absence. A letter will be sent on the third and fourth unexcused absence and the truancy officer will be notified.
Charges in juvenile court will be filed against the student on the fifth unexcused absence and a meeting will occur with a school official. With the seventh unexcused absence, charges will also be filed against the parent or guardian.
This new policy is in compliance with Senate Bill 181.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association will required all athletes to pass the equivalent of five credits in addition to maintaining a 1.5 grade point average. The board adopted this new athletic eligilbity policy.
Students will need to commit to participation in their senior class trip by the end of the junior year. By setting this earlier deadline, the students will have the summer to raise the necessary funds.
The board accepted the resignation of Tom Wilkenson as a full-time driver. Hired as substitute bus drivers were Tom Wilkenson and Ed Depinet; Lori Tanner, part-time driver; Helen Coleman, interpreter; and Deborah Reynolds, AV coordinator.