LCHS board welcomes Burgandy Henderson

[June 22, 2011]  Burgandy Henderson was sworn in Monday night as the newest member of the school board for Lincoln Community High School District 404. Board president Jim Mammen said another appointment is to be made at the July meeting, which will fill the final vacancy. 

Ms. Sandra Bronson, sponsor for Future Business Leaders of America, presented four members of that organization who placed in a recent state competition. The students -- Elizabeth Dye, Elijah Cox, Jessica Wim and Tammy Wim -- were recognized by the board and presented with certificates. Mammen told the students, "We are proud of your efforts. You have represented the school well."

Board approvals, adoptions:

• Transfer $7,864 from the working cash account to bonds and interest. Superintendent Robert Bagby said it was a one-time transaction to zero out the working cash fund as of June 30, the official end of the 2010-2011 school year. 

• List of administrator's goals.

• Renewal of health insurance with Health Alliance, with a revised rate increase reduced by the company from 12.99 to 11.5 percent.

• Reinstatement of one girls golf coach and one boys golf coach for the 2011-2012 school year. 

• Purchase of a vacant lot for construction of a house by the building trades class. The LTEC director, Bret Hitchings, reported the new site is a corner lot on Sherman Street, owned by Rod White. The purchase price is $8,500. Previous lots were purchased for around $10,000. The price includes sewer and electric hookup. 

• Approval was also given for the superintendent to submit an application for a Clean Energy grant in the amount of $8,895. A percentage of the funding will be used to replace 25 globes on light poles in three parking lots on the school campus. Due to the age of the original units, replacement parts have become unavailable.

• The superintendent's office recently received a $249,999 grant to use for upgrades such as energy-efficient doors and lighting. Geothermal is also under consideration as an alternative heating and cooling source. By requesting less than $250,000, the district is exempt from meeting certain guidelines and has fewer restrictions.

Reports:

• Principal Todd Poelker -- On May 18, the principal met with representatives from Lincoln College about the dual credit program. Students must complete the college's placement test, complete an application and pay the appropriate fees to participate. … Alternative education graduates were given a reception on May 27. … Christine Larson was hired as the math instructor. … Two interviews were to be completed Tuesday for the special education teacher's position vacated by the resignation of Jared Shaner. … Freshmen orientation will be moved to May next year to allow for a more realistic experience during the school day.

• Incoming Assistant Principal Rhonda Hyde -- In May, 820 students were enrolled, and 812 was the end attendance, with 343 referrals. … In order to learn her new duties, Ms. Hyde has worked alongside Ms. Sloot for several weeks. Ms. Sloot was not at Monday's meeting but instead sent a letter to the board, read by Mammen.

• LTEC director Bret Hitchings -- Enrollment in the available programs is up for next year. The adult program has been approved for next year, with over 80 adults registered. The state has approved funding for the 2011-2012 school year.

• Athletic director Sam Knox was not in attendance. His report was included in board members' packets. 

Bagby informed the board that Senate Bill 2170 is now law. The legislation states that county boards will no longer be allowed to decide whether or not a school sales tax can be implemented after voters have already approved it. Also, the county boards will not be allowed to determine the percentage amount for the tax. The legislation also clarifies that the tax can be used to pay off abatements. Regional Offices of Education will oversee the activity generated by the tax. LCHS District 404 should see revenue in April 2012 from the school tax passed by voters on April 5, 2011.

Bagby met with the superintendents from District 27 and Chester-East Lincoln to discuss a collaborative effort in purchasing materials and services for the districts. Also, it was decided to coordinate school improvement days to include teachers from all three districts in training and development sessions. Such efforts would save money for all districts involved and use resources more efficiently.

The next regular meeting of the LCHS District 404 board is at 7 p.m. July 18.    

[By MARLA BLAIR]