From November 13, 2008 issue Financial concerns a major priority By Keith A. Brown, Spotlight Correspondent Nearing the end of a fiscal year always causes a school district to focus on monetary concerns, and 2008 is no exception for Perry Township Schools. Several topics on the agenda for the recent regular school board meeting related directly to finances. Bob Harris, business manager, has been authorized to advertise for an additional appropriation, which will assure enough funds to close out the calendar year. This action had been labeled as likely for the last several months as a result of rapidly increasing costs in several categories, such as insurance and bus fuel. Harris will also be allowed to transfer money from one fund to another as needed, temporarily. In effect, this is an internal loan to reduce short term borrowing from financial institutions, a necessity brought about because of long delays in the distribution of property taxes to all school districts in Marion County. All such transfers must be repaid by June 30, 2009, according to the approved resolution. Another cost saving move will be to procure a provider of a Guaranteed Savings Contract, a method other school districts have used successfully to reduce utility costs. Studies show that such arrangements provide an average savings of six percent annually. Their work focuses mainly on close monitoring of all HVAC units for efficiency. The district will advertise for proposals to be submitted soon. Meanwhile, the district has contracted Ken George to serve as the energy management supervisor for another year. This program has produced significant savings in utility costs each year, for several years. Looking to future building needs, the board has signed a $121,410 contract with CSO Architects to complete a district wide facility assessment by January 31, 2009. This followed a series of interviews of such firms by the board building committee. In readiness to implement any building plan approved by the board in the near future, the board finance committee interviewed several firms and recommended Barnes and Thornburg as bond counsel. H. J. Umbaugh was recommended as financial advisor after the completion of interviews. Both companies were approved by the school board, and will be ready to begin as soon as board decisions are made. Following interviews, a list of eight vendors for 403 (b) financial savings plans has been approved, and teachers may select which company they wish to manage their savings plan. Following interviews, AIG was selected to be the plan administrator for these accounts. Because there is still some uncertainty in regard to some of these companies, the board may revisit these decisions after January 1 and make changes if desired. The "sticky wicket" of the evening came with disagreement about whether to pay a voucher submitted by former business manager Bill Brown and former superintendent Doug Williams. The bill was for legal services provided the two men by Baker and Daniels while acting on behalf of the school board as employees. The work pertained to an audit by the Indiana State Board of Accounts which was requested by the school board. The motion to pay the $6330.50 bill was approved, 4 to 2, with Nancy Walsh and Barbara Thompson in opposition. Steve Maple, Chuck Mercer, Gwen Freeman, and Ken Mertz were in favor, and Rubie Alexander was absent. Walsh and Thompson contended that the action was not authorized, was not known by the board, and they certainly were not allowed to select their own attorneys at board expense while other legal counsel was already under contract. Further, they contended, the settlement with Williams included a release from all further claims. Maple reported that the Board of Accounts had not responded to a request for a ruling on the matter, though they had been repeatedly asked for a ruling many weeks ago. This refuted Walsh's claim that an opinion had already been given. Maple also refuted Walsh's claim that it was in the hands of the Attorney General's office. Mercer, Freeman, and Mertz all expressed support for the motion, and at least one expressed regret that some members seemed to be slipping back into negative and divisive attitudes. Earlier in the evening, Walsh had also questioned the practice of approving travel arrangements prior to board approval of reimbursement for the expenses. Dr. Tom Little, superintendent, apologized for the delay but indicated it was sometimes difficult for the staff to maintain a timely flow of the paperwork. Walsh also objected to any expense being labeled as paid by Edison, since all funds ultimately were paid by Perry Township taxpayers. Little indicated that details of the Edison program were on the agenda for a work session he has been planning for the board. All requested travel expenses were approved. Recent personnel changes included the suspension of Jason Delaney, teacher, and Megan West, assistant principal, both at Southport High School. West will ultimately be reassigned as a teacher at a different location. Delaney has resigned his varsity basketball coaching assignment. Martha Johnson has resigned as assistant director of RISE Special Services. Changes being made in chemistry courses will result in both high schools having two levels entitled Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 1 Honors. These dual credit courses allow students to receive college credit at some colleges. Questions may be directed to the guidance departments. The board has contracted with Neola, Inc. to develop a revised set of Bylaws and Policies, Administrative Guidelines and Forms for district use. The updated product will be consistent with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.     The Spotlight 4217 S. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46217 Office: 317-444-4554 • Fax: 317-788-4570 E-mail: spotlightads@indyweb.net

From November 13, 2008 issue • Allman serves key role in future of Air Force • Cowboy boots transformed into fancy works of art Ultimate in recycling creates upscale purses from discarded footwear By Fred D. Cavinder, Spotlight correspondent • Nalley-Schembra inducted to Volleyball Hall of Fame • Financial concerns a major priority By Keith A. Brown, Spotlight Correspondent • SPOTLIGHT BRIEFS     • • Arts & Entertainment Page   • Looking Back By Robin Graves, Spotlight staff • Reality As I See It By Denise Summers, Spotlight staff • Kelly's Korner By Kelly Smith, Spotlight staff • Sports Page