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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 16, 2014)
12 schools january16 2014 Vernonia School Board Report At the January 9, 2014 School Board Meeting: Board Approves Calendar Adjustment for Snow Days-The Board voted to designate February 14, March 14, April 18 and May 9 as makeup days to be implemented sequentially to replace days lost during the 2013-14 school year. The District has already lost two days which will be made up on the first two replacement days. Cox Presents District Budget Update- Superintendent Ken Cox presented the Board with a budget update. According to Cox, the District is projecting a $297,900 Ending Fund Balance which includes a loss of $210,000 because enrollment was at 540 students, down from the estimated 560 the District had projected. Cox reported that the Capital Reserve Fund, used for construction began the year with an audited beginning fund balance of $711,276 and has revenues this year of $95 from WOEC Energy Credits, $99,321 form the Demolition Escrow Account and $496,139 for Spencer Park Construction from the Escrow account. The District shows current construction Projects from this fund of $627,000 including: $120,000 for the Met Group contract for fundraising, $22,500 for construction of a Historical Marker at Spencer Park, $350,000 for Spencer Park Construction, $30,000 for Greenhouse and Shop electrical, heating, plumbing and Greenhouse completion, $10,000 for Community Action Team County Oversight, and a $50,000 contingency. Cox also presented a long term debt summary which includes Construction loans of: QSCB of $3.4 million with annual payments of $211,000 through 2027; ODOE #1 of $1 million with annual payments of $84,325 through 2027; ODOE #2 of 1.237 million with annual payments of $106,200 through 2029; and City SDC payments of $139,159 with annual payments of $36,000 through 2016 for a total of $437,525 in annual payments. In addition there are two previous loans that are currently budgeted from the General Fund including a QZAB Loan for $247,577 with annual payments of $25,600 through 2022 and a OSBA Flex Loan for $640,000 with annual payments of $76,000 through 2024 for a total annual payment of $101,600. The District has total annual payments toward long term debt obligation of $539,125. Board Receives Audit Report-Dawn Plewes presented the Board with the annual audit and report. Plewes reported that the audit showed that the finances Vernonia School District Volunteer of the Month December 2013 Shannon Rice for the District are all in compliance 68%. Underwood reported that the state and that the audit showed no significant average is also 68%. deficiencies. Superintendent Report-Superintendent Board Hears Report from Met Ken Cox reported on the District’s Group-John Donovan and Eric compliance with Oregon Administrative Block, representing the Met Group, Rules for Standards for Public Schools. presented the Board with an Annual The VSD was compliant in all areas Report. Donovan gave the Board a brief of a sixty-six point checklist except: overview of the school capital campaign Required Instructional Time, where the to date, emphasizing highlights from District is only providing 950 of the the last school calendar year. Donovan required 970 hours at the High School reported that over $195,000 has been level (the District meets the standards pledged and raised in calendar year for kindergarten through 8 th grade; and a 2013-14, including donations of $30,000 Written Plan for current special programs from NW Natural and $12,500 from The for talented and gifted children. Standard. Block outlined fundraising Dr. Cox reported that the VSD strategies for the rest of 2014, includes has been awarded a CTE Grant for applying for several federal grants and $250,000. (See story on front page.) requests for technical assistance from Dr. Cox informed the Council several state agencies; approaching 10- that several trees will need to be removed 15 corporate entities, 6-8 foundations to make room for expansion to the shop, and 4-5 individuals for assistance; which will be paid for with CTE Grant conducting a community fundraiser funds. and major corporate sponsor event Dr. Cox informed the Board during the summer; and hold a formal that a meeting of the Vernonia Marketing plaque dedication, and celebrate LEED Group would take place on January 14 th . certification with celebration events. Dr. Cox presented the Board with two proposals for completion of Board Reviews Drop Out Statistics- the Spencer Park construction that the Principal Nate Underwood presented the Spencer Park Planning Committee will Board with Drop Out statistics for the be reviewing at their January 22 meeting. latest 09-10 four-year cohort of students. Board member Jim Krahn voiced his Underwood reported that of the 61 total displeasure with the two proposals students who were, at some time, part stating, “I know a little about soils, I of the most recent graduating class, 41 know a little about grass production. students graduated, 10 were foreign This is so beyond overkill it is pathetic.” exchange students and did not receive a diploma from VHS, 1 received a Upcoming Meetings-The School Board GED, 1 is a returning fifth year senior will hold a Workshop on January 30 at and 8 were considered drop outs, the District Office. The next School giving the school a completion rate of Board meeting is February 13. VERNONIA Vernonia School District’s Volunteer for the month of December, is Shannon Rice. Shannon volunteers on a weekly basis in Mrs. Eagleson’s K/1 class. Shannon is also known for helping with activities like; Kindergarden Round-Up, Lions Club vision & hearing screening, K-5 Field day as well as countless field trips. 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