Harmony ISD Trustees
Bus accident reported;
Jeremy Seahorn sworn
By JOHN SPARKS
Meeting in regular session Monday, April 20 trustees of the Harmony Independent School District received a report on a Harmony school bus accident; voted to allow an exchange student to participate in the 2009 graduation exercises and accepted the administration's preliminary recommendations regarding wage increases for the 2009-2010 school year for hourly employees and an across-the-board $500 raise for teachers. Jeremy Seahorn was sworn as a board member replacing Kelly Strecher who resigned last month.
Jed Whitaker, Superintendent, reported that a Harmony school bus had been involved in an accident. There were no serious injuries, but damage to the bus included a broken rear axle which may mean that the bus will be totaled for insurance purposes. The bus was sideswiped by a passing motorist who lost control of her vehicle. The loss of the bus has put a premium on the remaining fleet according to Whitaker-especially in this period of sports and extracurricular trips for students
Johanna Rode, a year-long exchange student from Germany will be permitted by the board to participate in graduation exercises after an appeal on Rode's behalf was made by Michelle Montgomery, senior class president and others in the graduating class. Rode will not receive a diploma, but will receive a certificate of attendance of other appropriate recognition.
With uncertainties facing state financing plans for school districts, Superintendent Whitaker moved forward with a pay scale increase for all hourly employees of the district for the next school year. The minimum wage will increase to $7.25/hour but Harmony's minimum will be increased to $7.50/hour. Virtually all hourly pay scales above the minimum will be increased up two steps. As for teachers, the state funding formula is most impactful on what monies may be available. Details of the formulas being deliberated by the sitting legislature have not been finalized, but Whitaker recommended an across-the-board increase in teacher salaries for next year. Additional compensation considerations will be recommended to the board when the 2009-2010 budget is formulated this summer.
Whitaker reported on progress of three major construction or improvement projects. The addition a bus stall to the bus repair facility has been completed. Work on securing the foundation of the tennis courts has been delayed by the rainy weather. Preliminary ground work has been completed on the high school addition, forms have been put in place and rebar installed for the foundation. Concrete will be poured this week. The addition is expected to be completed in time for the start-up of school in August.
Whitaker also reported on plans to buy a lift for use by the maintenance department.
The board reluctantly accepted the retirement of reading specialist Ava Pool. Kelly Kamenek has been hired as an art teacher for next year.
The next regular meeting of the Harmony ISD Board of Trustees will be Monday, May 18, 2009. A special meeting can be called with 72-hours notice.
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