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6/21/2012 - South Side Leader
     

By Joyce Rainey Long

Shown from left are Manchester Local Schools retirees recognized at the June 19 Board of Education meeting: Tracy Bower, who made costumes and props for Middle School plays for six years, Board President Rick Sponseller, bus driver Cathy Pack and Middle School industrial arts teacher David Whitmire.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Local Schools

The Manchester Local Schools Board of Education agreed to borrow up to $700,000 to pay for repairs at the June 19 meeting.

The funds will pay for repairing the roofs on Nolley Elementary, Manchester Middle School, Manchester High School, the Administration Building and the south wing of the Nimisila building which is used for storage, said Superintendent Sam Reynolds.

“We want the buildings to be safe, dry and warm. The leaking is terrible in all three [school] buildings,” said Reynolds, adding the repairs will be done when school starts.

“We’re glad we are moving forward on these plans,” said Jay Hunter, board vice president. “We are glad the community put us in this position.”

The 10-year loans at a 3.2 percent rate will be through FirstMerit Bank and will come from the issuance and sale of tax anticipation notes and school improvement bonds, according to Treasurer David Osborne.

District officials also are hoping the funds will pay for other needed repairs, including the high school parking lot, septic systems in all three school buildings and the middle school gymnasium.

In another financial matter, the board approved about $4.9 million as the temporary appropriations for the 2012-13 school year.

In other business, a three-year contract was approved for Debra Miller, food service director. She coordinates all the cafeterias and banquets, said Reynolds.

“She does a good job for us,” he said. “She’s a quality person.”

The board recognized David Whitmire, who retired after teaching for 33 years at the district. Whitmire taught industrial arts and was the Manchester Middle School cross country coach for 23 years and wrestling coach for 21 years. Along with his classes, Whitmire created many displays, benches, birdfeeders and birdhouses throughout the building, according to Reynolds.

“He was a leader in school ... and encouraged leadership in the students. He spent his entire career doing the extra,” said Reynolds.

Cathy Pack, an employee for 34 years, also was honored at the meeting. She retired as a bus driver who also worked as a playground aide during her career.

“Thank you for your heart that you gave to kids every day,” said Reynolds.

Tracy Bower, a parent volunteer, was recognized for her volunteer service during the past six years. She has created the sets and costumes for the plays at the Middle School, along with help from her family.

“You are creating lifelong memories, and we can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for the families of Manchester,” Reynolds said.

In other matters, the board heard first readings of five policies, including a policy to outline cell phone usage for certified and classified employees, job-related expenses for certified and classified employees and the usage of district credit cards. The board will vote on the policies at the July meeting.

In other business, the board:

• thanked the math department at the Middle School for coordinating a donation of $5,464 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

“We are thankful to the kids and families. This is the highest [donation] number in 26 years,” said Reynolds;

• approved opening bids for a 2012 diesel-powered 77-passenger school bus;

• approved bids for Reiter Dairy and Nickles Bakery for the 2012-13 school year;

• added Manchester football camp to the list of approved sports camps;

• approved the Snyder Agency to offer student accident insurance; and

• accepted donations from: the Smith Family for the B.J. Smith Scholarship for $1,500; Manchester Middle School PTA for the Carl Arnold Scholarship for $200; Manchester Middle School PTA for the Robert Hauenstein Scholarship for $25; and State Farm Insurance for the Manchester Middle School Intramural Fund for $500.

The next meeting will be June 29 at 7 a.m. to finalize end-of-the-year transactions, with the regular meeting set for July 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, 6075 Manchester Road.

     

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