The Hillsboro School Board unanimously adopted the 2015-2016 budget Monday night as presented at the annual meeting with several changes based on the release of the certified aid amounts by the state last week.
It also unanimously voted to approve the levy certification. With new aid information from the state, the anticipated mil rate dropped from $11.57 per $1,000 to $11.41 per $1,000.
The Board also had a lengthy discussion on the progress of the new traffic safety patterns at the Elementary School. The Building and Grounds Committee will discuss further options and plans in preparation of a recommendation to the full Board at its next meeting on Nov. 9.
The Board also accepted the resignation of assistant wrestling coach Adam Sonntag.
After a discussion, the Board voted several revisions in the Employee Handbook dealing with wage schedules and vacation days.
The Board went into closed session to discuss girls’ basketball staffing due to numbers, but no action was taken following the discussion.
Elementary School Principal Cara Wood reported that author Barney Saltzberg, who wrote and illustrated “Beautiful Oops,” visited the school and gave a nice presentation on developing ideas to the children on Sept. 29. It was sponsored by Title and Tiger Pride.
She also reported that a new program offers coupons to local businesses to give out as an incentive for students to read more and keep reading logs.
The program is a partnership between Hillsboro CARES (Community Advocates for reaching Enrichment and Success.), and the following businesses: Hillsboro Hotel, Hillsboro Equipment, Barbie’s Kitchen, Hillsboro County Market, Hillsboro Brewing Company, and Whitaker’s Farm Fresh Market.
The principal also pointed out that last week’s parent-teacher conferences were very well attended.
Plus One will feature a visit from the Department of Public Instruction this week.
The Elementary School will hose the Performing Arts Fair for MVGTN on Oct. 27.
The end of the first quarter will be Oct. 30, and report cards will be sent home the following week.
Tiger Pride will again sponsoring “Donuts with Dad” Nov. 6, before school.
Wood also reported that the regular October third week count showed a 14 student increase. “The enrollment is climbing,” she said. “It was up three in the summer.”
Teacher Bob Bothe gave a presentation to the board and visitors on a new home room program. Students will meet on a regular basis for helpful discussions and trading new ideas.
Bisarek reported that he met with High Traffic Flooring to discuss the unacceptable finish in two elementary classrooms. They agreed with the problem and will repair it without any cost to the school.
He also announced that necessary paperwork has been completed for possession of the land donated by Hillsboro Cement Products that will become a school orchard to be cared for by Ag students and FFA members.
Bisarek offered the school’s appreciation to the Hansbery estate for the donation and Barker Law Office LLC for processing the paperwork.
New Era Nursery and Woodland Valley Farms Country Green Houses have donated the first fruit trees.
