UTICA — Reflecting the condition of education economics statewide, the North Fork Local Schools are also facing an uncertain financial future.
Reporting at Monday’s school board meeting, Treasurer Jack McDonald said the state budget and economy have adversely affected North Fork. He said the Ohio Department of Taxation has already informed him that current school income tax revenues for North Fork are projected to be $100,000 less than previously estimated.
“Our finances continue to look bleak,” McDonald said.
He projected the district will “just barely” get through fiscal year 2010, and might have to look at cuts in fiscal year 2011 even if the school income tax renewal issue passes.
Regarding personnel, the board accepted letters of resignation from girls basketball assistant coach Arnold Pope and arts fair coordinator Carol Sivewright. It also employed educational aides Cathy Pattison and Heather Parkinson, and transportation aides Rebecca Boubary, Tammi Smith and Kay Pargeon.
The board issued a number of supplemental/extra service contracts, and approved Tammy Green as a volunteer for the 2009-10 school year. Bus drivers approved included Laura Barkschat, Bruce Gutridge and William Vance. Elizabeth Gilliand and James Short were hired as custodians and the board accepted the certified substitute list and added to the classified substitute list for 2009-10.
Other actions taken by the board included the approval of routine fiscal actions, the continuation of the district’s involvement in federal project grants, and the adoption of revisions to the entrance requirement policy.
McDonald said the board did recess into executive session to discuss negotiations and the possible sale of property, but no further action was taken.
The next regular school board meeting will be held Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Newton Elementary School.