 In New Holland the gathering took place at the Slackers Bar & Grill
and free coffee was provided for those in attendance.Finances
With educational budgets across the state in flux, it was not
surprising that aspects of the district budget came up during the
discussion. Despite the loss of $18,000 in state aid this year,
Dugan assured those present that "we (the district) are fiscally
sound." Dugan was confident in saying "the worst will be behind us
after this year."
One of the reasons the district's budget is doing well is the
recently implemented 1 percent sales tax approved by Logan County
voters. The money earned from that sales tax will be used by
District 88 to help fund school building projects and maintenance.
One of these projects is already completed; Dugan's office has
been moved and given a new paint scheme. "My office is right in the
middle of the school now," said Dugan.
A second remodeling project would be to update the gymnasium to
current standards. This project will allow the school to host home
sporting events.
Dugan has also begun applying for various grants to help the
school district. One such grant has been used to purchase a new
computer lab on the main floor of the grade school. The computers
came with wireless capabilities and the latest version of Microsoft
Office. Dugan explained that this advancement will help prevent
students from being at a technological disadvantage in high school.
The previous computers were outdated, as was the software.
Dugan also wants to use maintenance funds to buy a new intercom
system for the school, as the current system, while physically in
place, is no longer working. He is also looking into a new phone
system.
While on the topic of technology and the budget, Dugan expressed
that the district is looking into buying a few laptops or possibly
even electronic tablets with grant money in the future.
Transportation
The lack of bus stop signs along Route 10 was brought to Dugan's
attention. Without a sign, a bus has to stop at each individual
house along the route instead of stopping at one designated spot.
This is not the only issue that comes with the lack of a sign. A
greater problem lies with drivers passing stopped buses, despite the
law prohibiting such.
"Someone should be getting their plates, because passing a bus
like that is illegal," said Dugan.
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In addition, the 55 mph speed limit of Route 10 creates a hazard
for any student attempting to cross. A bus stop sign may help to
alert drivers to the fact that children will be crossing.
The budget for transportation also came up. While District 88 is
in no danger of cutting transportation, other districts have not
been so lucky. Other districts have considered increasing fees for
providing transportation to students or adding a fee if none exists
currently. Dugan said his district will not be doing anything of the
sort.
Other items of note
Dugan wants to focus on what he thinks is one of the best
features of working for District 88: small class sizes. The average
class size of the grade school is 12 students.
"Having such small classes creates a closer relationship with the
students' families," said Dugan. He plans on using such a close
connection with the community to help improve the schools. A
Parent-Teacher Association board is also on the agenda of connecting
with the community.
Dugan is currently interviewing applicants for a third-grade
teacher position at the school. Due to the state of jobs in
education, he received more than 80 applications for one position.
Finally, a few people commented on the lack of updates to the
school website.
Dugan explained that the software for the school website is not
very user-friendly, making it difficult to update. Therefore, he may
begin looking into a new website.
It certainly looks as though Dugan will have a lot of work in
sight, but he seemed confident about the issues brought up by the
public. He plans to have more informal meetings with the public, and
he expressed a desire to create a semiannual newsletter as well. He
encouraged people to sign up for the District 88 Twitter page at
www.twitter.com/nhmesd.
[By DEREK HURLEY] |
