Vantage has positive 5-year forecast

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Vantage Board of Education heard a presentation from Treasurer Lori Davis on the school’s five-year forecast, and also had the chance to see a new piece of technology in action during its November meeting Thursday.

Davis noted that Vantage would be receiving some additional revenues in the next five years, including money from the Robert P. Mone Power Plant near Convoy and approximately $100,000 more in wind turbine fees than expected. Those revenues, Davis noted, will mean financial stability for the district over the next five years.

“We are very financially healthy, and are fortunate to be in the position we are in,” she told board members.

Davis also noted that Vantage also has a healthy carryover balance, but will continue to use sound financial practices to ensure a healthy carryover is maintained in the future.

Those new revenues are needed, though, because state funding isn’t likely to see much of an increase over the coming five-year period, she said.

Davis also led a discussion on the district’s carryover policy, but board members were not inclined to consider having more than six months of operating funds in a board carryover policy, with some board members noting that more than that might lead to layoffs or other negative financial consequences if there were a shortfall in future.

Superintendent Staci Kaufman was also pleased with Vantage’s financial position, but added it didn’t happen overnight. “It took a lot of planning to get things where they are now,” she noted.

Kaufman also noted that Vantage may sell some property owned on North Harrison Street, stating there was some interest in the property. She also said that things were looking good for Vantage to earn the platinum certification of the LEED program – the highest level possible for the “green” construction certification program.

Vantage board members also had the chance to see a large touch table in action. The $15,000 device, actually a 40-plus-inch Samsung HD television with a computer installed inside, was demonstrated by Larry Regedanz, Network Systems instructor, and a student in his class.

The touch table has 40 touch points around it, allowing the possibility of 20 students using the table at one time, although Regedanz said that many students couldn’t all get around the device at one time. It also can be synced with the class’ smart board and all the computers in the classroom.

Students use the device with software that helps them learn computer networking skills, as well as with computer design software and other programs. Currently, students are designing their own 3D Indy cars as part of a competition.

Also Thursday, board members:

• Hired Kyle Fittro, John Bill and Matthew Barricklow as Adult Education instructors.
• Approved the purchase of a Hyundai pneumatic lift truck at a cost of $26,457.
• Adopted a resolution to enter into a 60-month purchase/lease agreement for a Neopost/Hasler mailing machine with International Mailing Systems.
• Accepted, with thanks, a donation of miscellaneous hoses, fittings, panels and pedals from Eaton Corporation work approximately $4,000.
• Adopting a resolution approving specifications for a new school bus, and to advertise for competitive bids for the bus.

The next meeting of the Vantage Board of Education will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 5, in the district conference room, followed by the annual holiday dinner, to be held at 6:45 in the Cup & Saucer dining room.