Over the course of the last two weeks, we have attended several meetings and we are beginning to get a clearer picture of the impact of the new state budget on Plymouth Community Schools. Senator Vic Heinold has provided us projections for the 2006 and 2007 calendar years. Those projections show that Plymouth Community Schools will receive a 1.6% increase in general fund monies in 2006 and a 2.1% increase in 2007. In order to achieve those gains, the school board will be required to raise the general fund levy by 4.2% in 2006 and 3.1% in 2007.
The legislature has also made provisions to raise monies to cover the state’s share of free and reduced textbook support which the state has been unable to pay, increased costs in utilities, liability and casualty insurance, and recover the loss of state aid in the transportation fund. These amounts total $209,339.00 in 2006 and $384,974.00 in 2007. The funding mechanism is to raise property taxes at the local level.
These projections indicate that the board is on target with the adoption of its spending reduction strategy.
The budget bill is an emergency act which means its provisions go into effect immediately upon signature by the governor. There are several other provisions included in the budget bill; among those is the restricted use of academic honors diploma monies. Our board of trustees is no longer allowed to give those monies to students. Those dollars must be used to fund and support programs.
The enactment of the new state budget leaves us with mixed feelings. We understand the severe financial circumstances the state faces. We have faced similar circumstances for the past four years. We are grateful to our legislators for providing the extra resources. Although some say that this budget was accomplished without raising taxes, in fact, we may see one of the largest increases in property taxes in recent history.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on May 12, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m.
During the next few weeks:
At Lincoln, the ceiling grid will be completed in the kitchen. The installation of the quarry tile, exhaust hoods, and light fixtures in the kitchen area will be completed. The foundation and masonry for the dry food storage area will be completed. The drywall will be finished and painted in the music and choir rooms. The ceiling grid in the music and choir rooms will be installed. The ceiling will be plastered in the new locker room.
At Washington, the ceiling grid, light fixtures, exhaust hoods, and quarry tile will be installed in the kitchen. Drywall will be laid in the bulk head in the cafeteria. The windows will be installed in both additions. New aluminum entrances into the cafeteria area will be installed.
At Webster, the interior masonry will be completed. Walls will be painted. The parameter fascia and soffit and gutters will be installed. The roof will be shingled. The ceiling grid and light fixtures will be installed throughout. The aluminum entrances will be put in place.
At PHS in the new music wing, the block walls will be completed, the bricking will begin, all the floors will be poured, the mezzanine steel will be set, and the construction of the roof will begin. The masons will continue to block in the multi purpose room.
At the new elementary site, grading will begin and the pad will be established for the new building.
At the conclusion of the last teacher day, the demolition of the walls in the cafeteria and kitchen area will begin at Washington elementary. The relocation of utilities at Jefferson Elementary will take place. The grading for the new parking lot at Menominee will begin. The demolition of the stage area in the cafeteria at the high school will begin.
The next construction meeting will be next Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 9:00 a.m.
During the next few weeks:
At Lincoln, the ceiling grid will be completed in the kitchen. The installation of the quarry tile, exhaust hoods, and light fixtures in the kitchen area will be completed. The foundation and masonry for the dry food storage area will be completed. The drywall will be finished and painted in the music and choir rooms. The ceiling grid in the music and choir rooms will be installed. The ceiling will be plastered in the new locker room.
At Washington, the ceiling grid, light fixtures, exhaust hoods, and quarry tile will be installed in the kitchen. Drywall will be laid in the bulk head in the cafeteria. The windows will be installed in both additions. New aluminum entrances into the cafeteria area will be installed.
At Webster, the interior masonry will be completed. Walls will be painted. The parameter fascia and soffit and gutters will be installed. The roof will be shingled. The ceiling grid and light fixtures will be installed throughout. The aluminum entrances will be put in place.
At PHS in the new music wing, the block walls will be completed, the bricking will begin, all the floors will be poured, the mezzanine steel will be set, and the construction of the roof will begin. The masons will continue to block in the multi purpose room.
At the new elementary site, grading will begin and the pad will be established for the new building.
At the conclusion of the last teacher day, the demolition of the walls in the cafeteria and kitchen area will begin at Washington elementary. The relocation of utilities at Jefferson Elementary will take place. The grading for the new parking lot at Menominee will begin. The demolition of the stage area in the cafeteria at the high school will begin.
The next construction meeting will be next Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 9:00 a.m.
Blog Shorts
Last Friday evening the Plymouth Community School music department presented the Jazz Café. The Lincoln All Stars and the Plymouth High School Jazz Band both performed. One of the highlights of the evening was a musical number composed by PHS student, Ryan DeFord. Congratulations to Mrs. Wagner and the Plymouth Music Boosters for organizing this outstanding event.
On May 5th the Plymouth High School FFA held their end-of-the-year banquet. Several FFA members were honored for their awards earned during the year. New officers were installed. Congratulations to Mr. McCollough and the FFA officers for an outstanding program
On May 5th the Plymouth High School FFA held their end-of-the-year banquet. Several FFA members were honored for their awards earned during the year. New officers were installed. Congratulations to Mr. McCollough and the FFA officers for an outstanding program
Friday, May 13, 2005
Board Highlights
The Board of Trustees met last evening. In addition to approving minutes and claims, the Board employed Cathy Deardorf as the new Assistant Principal at Plymouth High School. Cathy is currently a science and career education teacher at Garrett High School in Garrett, Indiana. She has been in the education field for 9 years. Cathy has been a facilitator in the Garrett staff development program, served on Garrett High School’s school improvement team, and has been trained in using Baldrich Improvement Tools. She is married and has four children and looks forward to working with the staff at Plymouth High School.
Bruce Hite reviewed the work that the maintenance department will be doing this summer in addition to the construction that is underway.
The Board heard a report from Dave Miller, Ron Liechty and Brent Martin about outlining the technology initiative being developed in the Plymouth community.
Elementary textbook fees for the 2005-2006 school year were adopted.
The next school board meeting will be on May 26, 2005, at Plymouth High School.
Bruce Hite reviewed the work that the maintenance department will be doing this summer in addition to the construction that is underway.
The Board heard a report from Dave Miller, Ron Liechty and Brent Martin about outlining the technology initiative being developed in the Plymouth community.
Elementary textbook fees for the 2005-2006 school year were adopted.
The next school board meeting will be on May 26, 2005, at Plymouth High School.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Rights and Responsibilities
In government classes, students are taught about the relationship of rights and responsibilities. Students learn as they exercise their rights, they are responsible for their actions.
The delays in the construction of Option K facilities will cost the taxpayers an average of $356,287.12 a year for the next 16 years. This is .0413 on the current tax rate.
During the delay:
Construction costs rose from $19,916,375 to $24,367,707.
Soft costs decreased from $5,628,625 to $5,627,793.
The value of bonds sold increased from $25,545,000 to $29,995,000.
Interest rose from $14,646,971 to $15,896,565.
Total debt service increased from $40,190,971 to $45,891,565.
The total increased cost in dollars is $5,700,594. There is an additional cost of educating students in inappropriate facilities for the last two years.
We defend the right of individuals to question and delay the project. We hold them responsible for their actions which resulted in 14.46% increased costs.
The delays in the construction of Option K facilities will cost the taxpayers an average of $356,287.12 a year for the next 16 years. This is .0413 on the current tax rate.
During the delay:
Construction costs rose from $19,916,375 to $24,367,707.
Soft costs decreased from $5,628,625 to $5,627,793.
The value of bonds sold increased from $25,545,000 to $29,995,000.
Interest rose from $14,646,971 to $15,896,565.
Total debt service increased from $40,190,971 to $45,891,565.
The total increased cost in dollars is $5,700,594. There is an additional cost of educating students in inappropriate facilities for the last two years.
We defend the right of individuals to question and delay the project. We hold them responsible for their actions which resulted in 14.46% increased costs.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
May 1 - May 7, Teacher Appreciation Week
We each have a teacher who provided special encouragement. This week, please take the time to let our teachers know how much you appreciate what they have done for you or your child. E-mail addresses are available on the school web-sites.
Our yearly Teacher Appreciation Dinner will be held Tuesday evening in the Menominee cafeteria. We will honor this year's retirees at approximately 4:45 PM.
Our yearly Teacher Appreciation Dinner will be held Tuesday evening in the Menominee cafeteria. We will honor this year's retirees at approximately 4:45 PM.
Meet Our New Director of Nursing
The Board of Trustees has appointed Kelly Skirvin Director of Nursing for Plymouth Community School Corporation. Nurse Kelly will continue to provide nursing services at PHS. We salute you for your loyal service to the students of PCSC.
An Evening with Dr. Suellen Reed
PASS will host an evening with Dr. Sullen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, May 10 at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Education Center. Dr. Reed will update attendees on Department of Education initiatives and recent legislation. Make plans now to spend an evening with Dr. Reed.
Free Graduate Hours
How would you like to get 18 hours of free credit and pick up an ESL certification as well? If you are working on your masters, this program might help you with some of the expense. Indiana University is taking applications for the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Program (ICP) and The Tandem Certification of Indiana Teachers (TACIT) programs that, if accepted, would provide a savings for you of $4,374 at today’s tuition rates. If you are interested in this offer you might want to email Mary Gifford concerning the commitment. This is a great program and the offer is a win-win situation for our staff members and our students. The ICP grant expires in 2007 and the TACIT expires in 2009. Take advantage of the savings while you can!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Great Concert
All bands, grades 6-12, played in concert in the Plymouth Varsity Gymnasium Sunday afternoon to a large crowd. Each band played individually and the concert concluded with all band members, grades 6-12, playing the final number. Mrs. Wagner announced the awards each band had earned at the recent ISSMA contests. She also explained how the state organization creates benchmarks for playing skills at each level. Plymouth brought home three gold awards and one silver. Great job!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Blog Shorts
NCA
Donna Burroughs, Tana Houin, and Sue Lowe presented at the NCA National Conference earlier this week. Their presentation was entitled, "Writing for All? Taking the First Steps." We should all be proud of their efforts to spread their knowledge to other schools across the nation. Fourteen other teachers and administrators attended the three-day conference and gathered ideas to help develop school improvement plans.
Writing Summit
Twenty-one teachers and administrators from all PCSC schools gathered last week to standardize some language and procedures in writing. Their efforts will strengthen the writing program as students move from elementary schools, to the 5/6 building, to the junior high, and to the high school. Accomplishments included the adoption of the 6-Traits writing rubric, the adoption of a standardized writing process, and the determination that all schools will hold all-school writes at the beginning of the year and the end of the year.
Academic Superbowl
The junior high Academic Superbowl Squad did a great job at Columbia City's middle school last week. The team finished first in science, first in math, one point out of first in language arts, and second place overall. Great job!
BPA
The Business Professionals of America departed yesterday for their national competition. Along with Nate Pearson being elected as BPA State President, our students continue to represent Plymouth in an outstanding fashion.
Donna Burroughs, Tana Houin, and Sue Lowe presented at the NCA National Conference earlier this week. Their presentation was entitled, "Writing for All? Taking the First Steps." We should all be proud of their efforts to spread their knowledge to other schools across the nation. Fourteen other teachers and administrators attended the three-day conference and gathered ideas to help develop school improvement plans.
Writing Summit
Twenty-one teachers and administrators from all PCSC schools gathered last week to standardize some language and procedures in writing. Their efforts will strengthen the writing program as students move from elementary schools, to the 5/6 building, to the junior high, and to the high school. Accomplishments included the adoption of the 6-Traits writing rubric, the adoption of a standardized writing process, and the determination that all schools will hold all-school writes at the beginning of the year and the end of the year.
Academic Superbowl
The junior high Academic Superbowl Squad did a great job at Columbia City's middle school last week. The team finished first in science, first in math, one point out of first in language arts, and second place overall. Great job!
BPA
The Business Professionals of America departed yesterday for their national competition. Along with Nate Pearson being elected as BPA State President, our students continue to represent Plymouth in an outstanding fashion.
Board Highlights
The Board met in regular session last evening. After approving minutes, claims and personnel recommendations, the board discussed spending reduction strategies for the next two years. Several considerations were made as the board studied strategies.
1) Preliminary steps toward grade reorganization in 2006 were considered.
2) The Board considered resolving scheduling issues in the district. Among those are the sharing of music staff at the high school/junior, and junior high/elementaries. Changes in the schedule at one building impacts instruction in other buildings.
Changing enrollment patterns at Plymouth High School were a factor as strategies were considered. Core 40 requirements are causing enrollment shifts which result in increases in some areas and decreases in others.
Parents have expressed concern about the schedule at Lincoln Junior High. Their child’s’ entire schedule is driven by choices in enrollment in band or choir.
During this current year, the elementaries and junior high share art teachers. The unavailability of art teachers from the junior high at a consistent time has caused constant changing of schedules at the elementaries.
The size of the ELL staff at Lincoln Junior High does not meet the needs of those students.
3) The third factor considered when developing the spending reduction strategy was finances. The 2005 budget has been cut $117,000. The district is receiving an additional shortfall due to the lack of state appropriations.
The Board approved a spending reduction strategy which includes the following adjustments:
· There will only be one prep period for each staff member at Lincoln Junior High next year.
· Foreign language instruction will be postponed until the 9th grade.
· Mrs. Baldwin will become a full-time ELL teacher at Lincoln Junior High.
· The assignments of the music staff will be arranged so that three music teachers are assigned to the elementaries, two music teachers are assigned to Lincoln Junior High, and two music teachers are assigned to Plymouth High School.
· Mrs. Mercer will be transferred to Plymouth High School to cover French and English classes.
· Mr. Isenbarger will be transferred to Plymouth High School to cover PE, health and social studies classes.
· Ms. Young will be transferred to Lincoln Junior High to cover health classes.
· Mr. Skirvin will teach both business and PE classes.
· Ms. Lange will be transferred from Lincoln Junior High to Webster Elementary to cover an elementary class.
· Mr. Wenino will be available first and second periods all year for elementary art.
· Through utilization of current staff, the PE position at the high school will not be filled.
· Mr. Benedict will become a ½ time social studies teacher.
· One FACS position at the high school will be reduced to ½.
· Mrs. Freidhoff will be replaced through a transfer instead of hiring a new person.
· Through attrition and elimination of some positions, the total number of assistants in the district will be reduced by eight.
· The extra contract days for the Ag teacher will be reduced by 20 days.
· The extended contract of a music teacher will be reduced by 10 days.
· The extracurricular positions of pool director, girls basketball program director, boys basketball program director, debate coach, 13-15 year old baseball coach, 8th grade assistant boys basketball coach, 8th grade assistant girls basketball coach, team leaders at Lincoln Junior high will not be filled.
· We will reduce the losses in the textbook fund by $40,000.
Total savings to the district for calendar year 2005: $163,018
Total savings to the district for calendar year 2006: $326,691
In other business, the Board heard a report on the NCA documentation visit at Jefferson Elementary and donated property behind Menominee Elementary to the park department for the city Greenway Project.
The next board meeting will be May 12, 2005 at 5:00 o’clock p.m. at the Administration office.
1) Preliminary steps toward grade reorganization in 2006 were considered.
2) The Board considered resolving scheduling issues in the district. Among those are the sharing of music staff at the high school/junior, and junior high/elementaries. Changes in the schedule at one building impacts instruction in other buildings.
Changing enrollment patterns at Plymouth High School were a factor as strategies were considered. Core 40 requirements are causing enrollment shifts which result in increases in some areas and decreases in others.
Parents have expressed concern about the schedule at Lincoln Junior High. Their child’s’ entire schedule is driven by choices in enrollment in band or choir.
During this current year, the elementaries and junior high share art teachers. The unavailability of art teachers from the junior high at a consistent time has caused constant changing of schedules at the elementaries.
The size of the ELL staff at Lincoln Junior High does not meet the needs of those students.
3) The third factor considered when developing the spending reduction strategy was finances. The 2005 budget has been cut $117,000. The district is receiving an additional shortfall due to the lack of state appropriations.
The Board approved a spending reduction strategy which includes the following adjustments:
· There will only be one prep period for each staff member at Lincoln Junior High next year.
· Foreign language instruction will be postponed until the 9th grade.
· Mrs. Baldwin will become a full-time ELL teacher at Lincoln Junior High.
· The assignments of the music staff will be arranged so that three music teachers are assigned to the elementaries, two music teachers are assigned to Lincoln Junior High, and two music teachers are assigned to Plymouth High School.
· Mrs. Mercer will be transferred to Plymouth High School to cover French and English classes.
· Mr. Isenbarger will be transferred to Plymouth High School to cover PE, health and social studies classes.
· Ms. Young will be transferred to Lincoln Junior High to cover health classes.
· Mr. Skirvin will teach both business and PE classes.
· Ms. Lange will be transferred from Lincoln Junior High to Webster Elementary to cover an elementary class.
· Mr. Wenino will be available first and second periods all year for elementary art.
· Through utilization of current staff, the PE position at the high school will not be filled.
· Mr. Benedict will become a ½ time social studies teacher.
· One FACS position at the high school will be reduced to ½.
· Mrs. Freidhoff will be replaced through a transfer instead of hiring a new person.
· Through attrition and elimination of some positions, the total number of assistants in the district will be reduced by eight.
· The extra contract days for the Ag teacher will be reduced by 20 days.
· The extended contract of a music teacher will be reduced by 10 days.
· The extracurricular positions of pool director, girls basketball program director, boys basketball program director, debate coach, 13-15 year old baseball coach, 8th grade assistant boys basketball coach, 8th grade assistant girls basketball coach, team leaders at Lincoln Junior high will not be filled.
· We will reduce the losses in the textbook fund by $40,000.
Total savings to the district for calendar year 2005: $163,018
Total savings to the district for calendar year 2006: $326,691
In other business, the Board heard a report on the NCA documentation visit at Jefferson Elementary and donated property behind Menominee Elementary to the park department for the city Greenway Project.
The next board meeting will be May 12, 2005 at 5:00 o’clock p.m. at the Administration office.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on April 21, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m.
During the next two weeks:
The slab in the band room will be poured at Lincoln. All the cement floors will be poured at Webster. The floors in the large band room, corridor 112, and the weight room will be poured at Plymouth High School. The footings for the mezzanine walls in the music area at PHS will be poured next week. The internal walls in the music room at Plymouth High School will be completed. The mezzanine walls and steel will be up in the music area. The interior walls at Webster will be completed. The footers and the foundations will be poured for the dry storage areas at Lincoln Junior High. Insulation on the Webster roof will be installed and shingling will begin. Windows at Webster and Washington will be installed. The kitchens at Lincoln and Washington will be painted through the finish coats. The ceiling grid will be started in the Washington and Lincoln kitchens. The brick at Webster will be caulked and sealed. Temporary coverings will be constructed at Lincoln and Washington for the wall demolition.
Installation of kitchen equipment:
It was announced that the kitchen equipment will arrive and be installed at Lincoln on June 1, 2005. Installation of kitchen equipment at Washington will begin on June 15, 2005.
Pre-Construction Meeting for Phase II:
The pre-construction meeting for Phase II was conducted this morning at 10:00 a.m. All contractors will begin mobilization. The CCI construction trailer will be on site at the new elementary next Wednesday. Construction schedules will be issued in the near future.
The next meeting date for Phase I is May 5, 1005.
During the next two weeks:
The slab in the band room will be poured at Lincoln. All the cement floors will be poured at Webster. The floors in the large band room, corridor 112, and the weight room will be poured at Plymouth High School. The footings for the mezzanine walls in the music area at PHS will be poured next week. The internal walls in the music room at Plymouth High School will be completed. The mezzanine walls and steel will be up in the music area. The interior walls at Webster will be completed. The footers and the foundations will be poured for the dry storage areas at Lincoln Junior High. Insulation on the Webster roof will be installed and shingling will begin. Windows at Webster and Washington will be installed. The kitchens at Lincoln and Washington will be painted through the finish coats. The ceiling grid will be started in the Washington and Lincoln kitchens. The brick at Webster will be caulked and sealed. Temporary coverings will be constructed at Lincoln and Washington for the wall demolition.
Installation of kitchen equipment:
It was announced that the kitchen equipment will arrive and be installed at Lincoln on June 1, 2005. Installation of kitchen equipment at Washington will begin on June 15, 2005.
Pre-Construction Meeting for Phase II:
The pre-construction meeting for Phase II was conducted this morning at 10:00 a.m. All contractors will begin mobilization. The CCI construction trailer will be on site at the new elementary next Wednesday. Construction schedules will be issued in the near future.
The next meeting date for Phase I is May 5, 1005.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Welcome to the Blogosphere!
Terri Dennie and Jeff Hunter have established a classroom blog . Please visit and see how this technology can be used with students and parents.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Monday Potpourri
The Wawasee blog has two interesting articles for your reading. One shows that certified teachers are more effective than non-certified and the second discusses public school students out performing private students. If you have a chance, click on the highlighted words above and it will take you directly to that blog.
Last week we held our 4th technology summit. The summit began with a presentation by Plymouth High School graduate Chad Barden explaining what is needed and expected of high school graduates if they are to participate in the new economy. We also reviewed articles about technology.
As a group, participants in the summit identified those technology skills and knowledge areas that students should have when they graduate from our district. Participants also developed a list of technology activities that can be used to improve student achievement. We further discussed the use of long-distance learning and shared some examples of how the long-distance learning equipment has been used thus far.
In the 4th discussion session , participants from the elementary levels, the middle school and high school levels developed preliminary procedures for selecting software and hardware in the future. The final discussion session focused on the technological skills and knowledge each teacher should possess. This information will be used to write our three-year technology plan which must be submitted to the state of Indiana. If you wish to see a copy of the results of the technology summit, please ask your principal.
A rally to demonstrate support for more funding for public schools will be held tomorrow evening at Washington High School in South Bend, IN. It begins at 5:00 p.m.
Last week we held our 4th technology summit. The summit began with a presentation by Plymouth High School graduate Chad Barden explaining what is needed and expected of high school graduates if they are to participate in the new economy. We also reviewed articles about technology.
As a group, participants in the summit identified those technology skills and knowledge areas that students should have when they graduate from our district. Participants also developed a list of technology activities that can be used to improve student achievement. We further discussed the use of long-distance learning and shared some examples of how the long-distance learning equipment has been used thus far.
In the 4th discussion session , participants from the elementary levels, the middle school and high school levels developed preliminary procedures for selecting software and hardware in the future. The final discussion session focused on the technological skills and knowledge each teacher should possess. This information will be used to write our three-year technology plan which must be submitted to the state of Indiana. If you wish to see a copy of the results of the technology summit, please ask your principal.
A rally to demonstrate support for more funding for public schools will be held tomorrow evening at Washington High School in South Bend, IN. It begins at 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Where's Waldo
I remember a decade ago a series of fascinating youth books entitled, Where’s Waldo The book series eventually branched out to games, napkins, paper cups and even neckties. If you liked Where’s Waldo, you may have found Saturday at the Plymouth Library just as exciting. This time let’s call it Where’s Steve, Where’s Vic. Those who didn’t see the small article in the Pilot News this week probably went to the public library Larimore Room at 9:15 and found it empty. This is one might have played Where’s Steve, Where’s Vic.
Representative Steve Heim and Senator Vic Heinold cancelled their 3rd House breakfast, citing reasons of busy schedules. They were also too busy to make an appearance at the rally last weekend at the Indiana Statehouse. We can only hope that our elected legislators stop playing the no-show game and start representing their constituency by finding the resources necessary to fund the mandates they seem fated to pass. You have to wonder if Representative Heim is spending more time courting his largest contributor, Christel Dehan, an Indianapolis business woman (see line 7722) than he is with the fine people in his own district.
Representative Steve Heim and Senator Vic Heinold cancelled their 3rd House breakfast, citing reasons of busy schedules. They were also too busy to make an appearance at the rally last weekend at the Indiana Statehouse. We can only hope that our elected legislators stop playing the no-show game and start representing their constituency by finding the resources necessary to fund the mandates they seem fated to pass. You have to wonder if Representative Heim is spending more time courting his largest contributor, Christel Dehan, an Indianapolis business woman (see line 7722) than he is with the fine people in his own district.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Board Highlights
The board met in regular session last evening. The members of the Webster 4th grade Math Bowl Team were honored for their 1st place finish in the district competition. The elementary handbook for 2005-2006 was reviewed.
John Shultz gave his yearly report from the technology department. He shared the status of the goals of the previous year and the goals that the department set for the next year. Jon reported Plymouth schools had 600 computers in service in January of 1998. Today we have 1,347.
Dan Tyree gave a five year ISTEP report. He reviewed progress that has been made in English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Science ISTEP scores.
The board accepted bids for Phase II in the amount of $12,535,386.00. A change order for -$78,598.00 will be written to one contract which brings the total project construction cost to $12,502,045.00. This amount is $33,341.00 below the construction document estimate.
The two year delay has cost the district approximately $1.5 million dollars for Phase II alone.
The next board meeting will be on April 21, 2005 at Jefferson Elementary at 7:00 p.m.
John Shultz gave his yearly report from the technology department. He shared the status of the goals of the previous year and the goals that the department set for the next year. Jon reported Plymouth schools had 600 computers in service in January of 1998. Today we have 1,347.
Dan Tyree gave a five year ISTEP report. He reviewed progress that has been made in English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Science ISTEP scores.
The board accepted bids for Phase II in the amount of $12,535,386.00. A change order for -$78,598.00 will be written to one contract which brings the total project construction cost to $12,502,045.00. This amount is $33,341.00 below the construction document estimate.
The two year delay has cost the district approximately $1.5 million dollars for Phase II alone.
The next board meeting will be on April 21, 2005 at Jefferson Elementary at 7:00 p.m.
State Happenings
Governor Daniels reacted to the educational rally held Wednesday. We are deeply disappointed the governor refuses to recognize the $588,849 in cuts that have made at Plymouth since 2001. He failed to recognize Plymouth has lost 11.7% of its administrative staff and 2.5% of its teaching staff since 2000. His proposed budget would have necessitated deep cuts in all facets of our programs. Our staff is dedicated to continuous improvement. We expected more support both emotionally and fiscally from his office.
The voucher bill has apparently died in this year’s session. Thank you to all who communicated with their representatives. Keep an eye on happenings in Indianapolis. A legislative session is much like a basketball game. “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over”
The voucher bill has apparently died in this year’s session. Thank you to all who communicated with their representatives. Keep an eye on happenings in Indianapolis. A legislative session is much like a basketball game. “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over”
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on April 7, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m.
During the past two weeks:
The interior masonry at Washington and at the Lincoln kitchen is 95% complete. The framing of the roof has been completed at Webster. The interior footings have been poured on the music wing at Plymouth High School and work has continued on the bearing walls in the music wing. The footers have been poured and the foundation walls are being formed at this time in the multi-purpose room area.
During the next two weeks:
The interior masonry work at Lincoln and Washington will be completed. The cement slab will be completed in the music area at Lincoln. The footers and foundations will be completed for the dry storage area at Lincoln. The slab at Webster is scheduled for pouring on the 22nd of April. The metal decking on the roof at Webster will be started Monday and completed within two weeks.
At Plymouth High School, the construction of the interior walls in the music wing will continue. The bar joist over the corridor in the music wing will be installed tomorrow. Work will continue on the foundations in the multi-purpose area.
Gas Shut-off:
The gas will be shut off at Washington by NIPSCO for a short period of time during the spring. This will be done after the heating season and Mrs. Riise will be notified. This should not interfere with schooling in that building.
The next meeting is scheduled for the 21st of April.
During the past two weeks:
The interior masonry at Washington and at the Lincoln kitchen is 95% complete. The framing of the roof has been completed at Webster. The interior footings have been poured on the music wing at Plymouth High School and work has continued on the bearing walls in the music wing. The footers have been poured and the foundation walls are being formed at this time in the multi-purpose room area.
During the next two weeks:
The interior masonry work at Lincoln and Washington will be completed. The cement slab will be completed in the music area at Lincoln. The footers and foundations will be completed for the dry storage area at Lincoln. The slab at Webster is scheduled for pouring on the 22nd of April. The metal decking on the roof at Webster will be started Monday and completed within two weeks.
At Plymouth High School, the construction of the interior walls in the music wing will continue. The bar joist over the corridor in the music wing will be installed tomorrow. Work will continue on the foundations in the multi-purpose area.
Gas Shut-off:
The gas will be shut off at Washington by NIPSCO for a short period of time during the spring. This will be done after the heating season and Mrs. Riise will be notified. This should not interfere with schooling in that building.
The next meeting is scheduled for the 21st of April.
The Rally
We attended the rally at the statehouse yesterday afternoon. The passion and enthusiasm of the participants was inspiring. Several speakers explained the need for additional funding for schools and the potential impact of unfunded mandates.
It was reported that teachers from John Glenn met with and were informed by Representative Heim that he was supporting all the bills that contained unfunded mandates. We were unable to meet with the representative and could not verify that report. It is critical that you contact Representative Heim and express that he vote "no" on SB 281, SB 200, SB 231, SB 371, and SB 598. These bills contain processes for moving dollars away from public schools when increases are minimal. Please email immediately at http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl?data=HouseHeim,Steveh17hr .
It was reported that teachers from John Glenn met with and were informed by Representative Heim that he was supporting all the bills that contained unfunded mandates. We were unable to meet with the representative and could not verify that report. It is critical that you contact Representative Heim and express that he vote "no" on SB 281, SB 200, SB 231, SB 371, and SB 598. These bills contain processes for moving dollars away from public schools when increases are minimal. Please email immediately at http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl?data=HouseHeim,Steveh17hr .
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