The Princeton Board of Education has agreed to combine two incoming 3rd grade classes for next school year. The combination will result in 23 students in the class. Superintendent Jerry Girdner reports the decision will not result in a reduction in the workforce, with a re-assignment planned for grade level duties.
Natalie Stiles has been approved to teach junior high school English next academic year. She will be a first-year teacher after receiving her degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. Meredith Ussery was approved as a Special Education teacher, with additional curriculum director duties. Meredith is currently an At-Risk coordinator in Princeton.
Deborah Watson will be a food service cook. She is currently a Princeton substitute teacher. Lisa McLain was approved to be a paraprofessional.
The Princeton District’s base salary and extra duty stipends were discussed, but no recommendations were made.
Superintendent Girdner gave a budget update for the next fiscal year, noting uncertainty on legislation and the state foundation formula. He said a dollar value modifier for next year will result in a loss of approximately $53,000 in state funding. Girdner also reported that health insurance plans will be increasing (about 6 percent) for next year. In summary, there are, according to Girdner, “many considerations when building the budget, which continues in development”.
The Princeton Board agreed to enter into a contract with CTS on the upcoming HVAC project. The board also received an update on projects for this summer, funded by passage of the bond issue proposal by Princeton patrons last Tuesday.
A bid from Jeff Power Lawn Card and Landscaping of Princeton has been approved, to mow the Princeton campus at $750.00 per mowing. A trip for the Princeton High School senior class to Branson was also approved.
Among other news from the Princeton Board of Education meeting, swimming is being added to select physical education classes next year.
An awards assembly will be held the night of Thursday, May 12th at 6:30 in the high school gymnasium. Baccalaureate will be held that same night, at 7:30, at New Hope Baptist Church. Senior graduation will be the following night, Friday, May 13th at 7 o’clock.
In the public participation segment, Steve Jones gave a proposal for a logo to be painted at the center of the gymnasium’s basketball court. Currently, no such logo exists. Jones has secured volunteers for the painting. The cost of the paint is estimated at less than $500.00. The school board will seek information from the flooring company regarding necessary preparations for painting a logo.
Board members Nathan Evans and Ron Parsons were given the Oath of Office, after winning election last Tuesday. Rick Ellsworth was chosen as Board President, Larry Pollard Vice-President, Ron Parsons as Secretary, and Karla Meinke as Treasurer.
Outgoing board member Dirk Schwartzkopf was thanked for his six years of service on the Princeton Board of Education.
