Crestview Superintendent Mike Estes reported an excellent start to the 2011-12 school year at Monday evening’s board of education meeting.
“It’s been an excellent start,” Estes said. “One of the best starts to the school year I’ve seen since I’ve been an administrator, not just here but other places as well.”
The Crestview Board of Education discusses points of interest regarding the district's upcoming levies which will be on the November ballot.
During a brief meeting that featured a light agenda, Crestview board members and administrators were reminded of the importance of two upcoming levies on the November ballot. Estes provided board members the following information regarding the levies:
*One of the levies, originally voted on in 1988 as an “emergency levy” to collect a specific dollar amount is considered an operational levy. Because this levy was voted on as an “emergency,” that term legally stays with the levy even though the renewal of the levy in today’s climate isn’t considered an “emergency.” However, reducing the general operating budget by $215,000 would be cause for concern.
*The operational levy means revenue can only be used to operate the school district, for example, gas for heating the building, diesel for buses, electricity, water, textbooks, software, teaching supplies, and salaries are examples of operational costs.
*It is the goal of the Board of Education to reduce or eliminate this levy after the 2016 renewal.
*The second levy is a permanent improvement levy and was originally voted in for 2 mills. Because of revaluations of the district by the county auditor, this levy now collects at 1.65 mills and provides for $145,000 in revenue.
*A permanent improvement levy means the revenues can only be used for purchasing, constructing or making long-term improvements to buildings; or for things with a life of five or more years.
*Support of the renewal of both tax levies will not cost taxpayers any additional money.
*The proposed operating levy renewal represents about 2 1/2% of the district’s operating revenue. The school district does not receive any additional money from the renewal.
The district’s total expenditures per pupil is $8,816, while instructional expenditures per pupil total $5,099. Total property tax per pupil totals $2,437.
Crestview Elementary Principal Kathy Mollenkopf reported that 441 students are currently enrolled in elementary school. Mollenkopf said mandatory health screenings for grade levels 1, 3 and 5 are upcoming, and also pointed out that 3rd-graders will be taking the fall reading assessment in October as part of the Ohio Achievement Tests.
The elementary school will also participate in the United Way’s Day of Caring with a food drive. “Our goal is four thousand items so hopefully we’ll hit that,” Mollenkopf said. “It’s a great way for kids to participate in the community.” A Jerry Lewis McDonald’s grant will provide for guitars in the music program, Mollenkopf added.
Dave Bowen provided a report on the middle school activity and echoed Estes’ feelings on Crestview’s school year. “It’s been a great start. We’re very enthusiastic and excited with the direction we’re headed,” Bowen said.
A grant has also provided each teacher in kindergarten through 8th grade with Ipads, which are being used consistently, Bowen said.
In other business, the board:
*granted a motion to extend a one-year contract to Karen Pettyjohn as a two-hour food service employee;
*approved Diane Wilson as a middle school track coach’
*approved the memorandum of understanding with the Crestview Employees Association regarding the operation of the district’s food service program;
*approved the following groups for trips: FFA Convention, Knight Vision & Jazz Band, Model UN, senior government, girls’ softball tournament, FFA state convention, and 8th grade students to Washington DC.
The next regular meeting of the board will be held Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
