SDCSC budget causes a pause

Debbie Blank

Rapid fire approvals of the Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corp. capital projects and school bus replacement plans began the Oct. 8 board meeting. You could hear a pin drop as over 20 attendees listened.

But the meeting ground to a halt after treasurer Mary Ann Baines summarized the 2010 proposed budget and trustee John Armbruster made a motion to approve it.

There was a long pause. No one would second the idea of a $42.8 million budget.

Trustee Cindie Fox asked to look it over again. As two employees ran to unlock an office door to get copies, superintendent Dr. Jeff Hendrix reminded the board if the advertised budget is not approved, the amounts revert to 2009 levels.

He pointed out, “The state controls the general fund dollars” and the special education fund. Hendrix noted the seven had just ratified the capital projects portion of the budget.

Finally, trustee Brandon Burress seconded the motion.

“Are there reservations about the budget as a whole?” wondered President Kim Weber. Fox replied, “It's been too long since we talked about it.” When the vote was taken, five were in favor with Fox opposed. Charles Keyes abstained.

Hendrix was networking at a recent “very good” Indiana State Teachers Association convention. He reported, “We are part of a coalition of growing and suburban school districts” that lobbies state legislators. “Hamilton Southeastern is going to file suit against the state of Indiana” citing inequitable funding. Because corporations’ general funds now are controlled by the state, “they just can't put the personnel in there to teach the kids.” Hendrix was asked to sign a letter supporting the lawsuit. “This group is going to extend a hand out to urban and rural schools to hopefully have an impact on the legislators and governor.”

The power of mentoring was another topic. Last year East Central High School teachers advised students going after 21st Century Scholarships. “It would be nice to have parents and business leaders as mentors,” he said.

Hendrix discussed with other superintendents the question “How do we impact students to have higher levels of achievement?” One idea: Danville high school teachers broke up Algebra I into learning modules.

The superintendent is on a quest to develop an SDCSC model for excellence. Teachers are answering six-question surveys and having group conversations.

In an effort for the entire school district to be accredited by North Central Association, coordinator Jeanie Walters, a Sunman Elementary School Title I reading teacher, said two staffers plus the principal at each school have been meeting with their counterparts every month for a year. NCA officials will evaluate the six buildings Nov. 15-17.

According to Walters, “Every school in Indiana has to be accredited by the state, but we chose to be accredited by a national, independent corporation” that has higher standards.

She reported, “Every program submitted (for the accreditation) showed student achievement.” Writing rubrics have improved and special education referrals have decreased. “Our teachers are doing a wonderful job.”

Four years ago, when gas prices were spiking, an extracurricular transportation fee of $50 per sport, with a maximum of $100 per student, was enacted for each athlete in grades 7-12.

As gas prices have moderated, now some families are protesting the expense, especially if a child had just two away meets.

“Is there the potential of having a lesser amount?” Weber asked. “Possibly,” business manager Kris Wilson answered. He pledged to make the fee more equitable, maybe tailoring amounts to specific sports, and will discuss the issue again at the upcoming board retreat.

Dennis Siebert, a Sunman-Dearborn Youth Athletic Association member, proposed converting the SDCSC baseball and softball recreational program to the Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken model for youth 4-18, already present in Batesville, Milan and Aurora.

“We see the need .... It doesn't make sense to take kids to Cincinnati to play baseball.” The nonprofit SDYAA would finance and manage the program, but would like to use SDCSC fields.

Siebert added, “We really don't want to compete against your program.” Jeff Bond, North Dearborn Elementary School principal, who with wife Erin has coordinated the recreational program for the past six years, reminded the board finding operating funds is increasingly difficult. “It's not self-sufficient anymore.” He called Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken “a good program ... if the board wants to do away with the rec program.”

Wilson felt field maintenance issues and equipment storage sites could be worked out.

Trustees asked Siebert for information to peruse before the next board meeting, when he will answer more questions.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.

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