Chrisman schools hold refresher course with Chief Dolan
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The Chrisman School Board held their monthly meeting on November 11th. The meeting began with the approval of the financial matters, including the imprest fund reimbursement in the amount of $2,699.46. The board also swore in new member Dennis Tingley, who was voted in to replace Cory Chaney, who resigned at the beginning of last months meeting.
Chrisman Elementary Principal Kelly Schluter gave an update on the events going on at her building. October 20th, the students had a fire drill with the Chrisman Fire Department. The faculty had an intruder drill with Police Chief Dolan on October 26th. Parent teacher conferences took place on October 20th and 21st. Theme Day was held on November 4th. The students were to dress as their favorite movie character.
Midterms will be on November 16th and Picture retakes will be on November 23rd. Fall break begins October 24th, with the students returning the following Monday. The district is still currently looking for sub bus drivers.
Snow route information will be sent out to parents before Thanksgiving break. Fall MAP scores were given to parents at the end of the first quarter and discussed during parent teacher conferences. At the time of the meeting, three elementary students are quarantined.
For the high school, the National FFA Convention took place October 28th and 29th. On November 5th, the students had an early dismissal at 11:50 am. At that time, the faculty participated in an ALICE Refresher with Police Chief Dolan.
The drill was performed during a passing period to see how both teachers and students responded. This was also the first large-scale test of the CrisisGo communication app that had been added this year.
Chief Dolan was pleased with how it when, but gave a few conclusions and recommendations. Dolan recommended more training so each teacher knows how to initiate the alert themselves; Communication between administration and faculty was greatly improved; A PA announcement was needed before many students understood what was going on; Different door locks that can be locked from the inside are greatly needed; Window decals on the inner door windows are suggested for more security from an intruder. Dolan also did an additional ALICE review last Friday with the district, which included even more on ‘Counter’, should it ever had to be used.
In matters of the superintendent report, the November sales tax revenue for school facilities for the district was $12,007.60 for an average of over $9,900 per month. All TRS employer are required to adopt the TRS SSP, which becomes active in January 2022.
This plan is a tax-favored retirement savings vehicle that is intended to supplement TRS benefits. “I will have a resolution for the board to approve at the December meeting,” Superintendent James Acklin said.
David Pistorius from First Midstate was present to discuss financing facilities projects through bond sales. “By dedicating part of our sales tax revenue towards bond repayment, the district could take on larger projects without affecting the overall tax rate,” Acklin stated.
The auditor has provided confirmation that the district is in a strong position financially. Acklin included a cover letter which listed areas to improve. The full annual report was available at the meeting.
The total levy extension requested represents an increase over the 2020 extension of 4.99%. The average increase in EAV over the last five years was 3.82%. Acklin was reminded of the lease of the two buses by Midwest Transit will be up in July of 2022. The board members were presented with packets regarding their options.
The district has had recent parental concern regarding athletic eligibility rules that are more stringent than almost any other school in the area. Mr. Huber met with the Athletic Committee in order to discuss the issue. The board was presented with proposed policy changes.
