District 204 Opens With 168 Students

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Pinckneyville Community Consolidated District 204 opened its classroom doors to a beginning student enrollment of 168 students this week--down six from a year ago--with the possibility of adding two others because of a family's de-annexation from the Tamaroa school district.

The same school opened the doors of its bus garage to find seats, the steering wheel, dash and handles covered in mildew from dampness caused by 12 inches of summer rains. Supt. Patty Wood told board members drivers and maintenance personnel spent an entire day cleaning and sanitizing the student buses to get them ready for opening day. She added the problem has to be solved quickly--before the arrival of four new buses in October. Board members walked to the bus garage after the meeting and suggested that a two-inch layer of new rock and better drainage and ventilation would alleviate the problem. There has never been a problem before, but there has also never been a cool, damp summer like this one. It is certainly safe for children to ride the buses, but the problem is being addressed immediately.

Supt. Wood shared with the board beginning fund balances--many of them negative--which will reverse themselves as soon as Perry County real estate tax money is distributed. The board also signed off on a tentative 2009-2010 budget. Doors open with the district $74,000 in the red, a number that could climb to a $160,000 deficit by year's end if the state doesn't reverse planned funding cuts. Board president Byford Reidelberger said the district has planned for the worst, but the actual outcome should be better.

In other action:

-- The board approved tuition reimbursements of up to $1,000 to teachers who took summer continuing education classes per contract and up to $50 for dues or magazine subscriptions that are applicable.

-- The district is in receipt of a $10,000 stimulus grant which must be used for special education. The money will buy three computers and software.

-- The board extended its appreciation to Gina Lawless who resigned as cross country coach. Cheryl Keith was hired to fill that vacancy.

-- The board placed on public display for 30 days the district's new board policy manual. Reidelberger thanked all for their work on the book.

-- Supt. Wood has researched a federal e-rate program on phone service which will rebate 60 percent of the district's phone costs and allow the addition of a cellular phone.

-- A $19,000 technology grant will, among other things, put a new $3,940 computer interactive "smart board" in the classroom of Jennifer Craft.

-- The board approved the girls' 2009-2010 basketball schedule.

-- The board approved the addition of Macy Minor as a non-paid volunteer to assist in the softball program.

-- Reidelberger extended his deep appreciation to athletic boosters for the gift of a new $2,544 scorer's table to the school.