The Edwards County School Board wasted no time Monday night getting into a presentation by Xavier Martinez concerning a safety film to cover the doors at the attendance centers. Martinez, representing MGT Films, told the board that the estimate for a safety film to slow down an intruder with a firearm or blunt instrument would slow down a person or persons wanting to enter the school building. The protective film would give a few minutes of extra time, hopefully, while police would be responding to a call at the attendance center. The film would be glued to the existing window glass of the entrance doors throughout the school. The issue was tabled until more information and more figures can be obtained. There is some concern about the existing door hinges being able to withstand the extra weight if some type of bulletproof glass would be installed. The question of employees carrying weapons was asked, however, Superintendent Cowger told the board that no guns are allowed on school property by employees regardless of training or permits.
The student handbook was approved by the board. The final budget was also approved. The overall budget looks to be very healthy with a balance in the black of $317,446 according to Superintendent Cowger; that’s in the education fund, leaving a balance on hand of $2.5 million. Superintendent Cowger told the board that over 70% of his school budget comes from state funding.
The board had the first reading of the 23-24 handbooks for coaches, district employees, and transportation and security manuals. There was one maintenance project approved to paint a portion of the industrial arts area at the K-12. The sandblasting bid was $7,672 for that project.
The board approved a $6,500 donation for the golf team recently formed and accepted a $5,000 grant from Bayer Company. That grant was obtained through a grant request and nomination from Joyce Ager.
Superintendent Cower told the board that the cafeteria report looks better than expected with a balance that is in the black of a little over $12,000. The superintendent also reported that this is the biggest year to date for sale tax revenues flowing to that school for special projects.
Chris Duncan reported to the board that some asphalt and drain work has been completed at the school playgrounds, however, they are currently awaiting a certain quality of asphalt to complete the playground at the West Salem Grade School.
After an executive session, the board voted to accept the resignations of teacher aide Amy Neely and Coleen Dawson, and West Salem Grade School teacher Eric Lingafelter. The board did vote to employ West Salem grade school teacher, Andrea Shelby and West Salem Grade School cheer coaches, Whitney Leak and Andrea Shelby. The board also voted to employ softball coaches at West Salem Grade School head coach Tim Meyers as assistant Lexi Harper, west Salem Grade School basketball head coach, Bill Thomason and assistant Roy Johnson, West Salem Grade School volleyball head coach Riley Violette and Erica Kelsey as an assistant. The board also voted to accept a substitute teacher list for the 22-23 year and also approved a grievance resolution with the Edwards County support personnel over a salary issue.