Indian Lake Board of Education members are up to speed on district transportation and finances.
District Treasurer Coleen Reprogle presented her annual 5-year forecast update during the recent November regular meeting.
Reprogle explained that the district has not yet received a final funding module reflecting changes passed in the State of Ohio Budget passed in June. She is hopeful she will receive those instructions in December. Until then, she is making the best estimates possible, knowing that changes to open enrollment funding and restricted funds are coming.
“It is projected that our state funding will be flat-lined over the next five years. To stay within those parameters on our expenditure side we really need to watch our staffing and our benefits and the amount we pay for our purchased services. Those three areas make up 92 percent of the school budget.”
Indian Lake Transportation Director Pat Smith also gave an update from his department. Indian Lake currently employs 20 bus drivers. They drive more than 1,000 route miles a day, transporting about 692 regular riders and 32 special education riders.
“I can’t thank my drivers enough. They make me look good,” Smith said.
He reports that over the past few years, the district has added a new GPS system for greater efficiency. He is also switching over to gasoline-powered buses.
The board voted to purchase one 66-passenger handicap bus for a cost of $115,000.
Smith added that the board’s effort to purchase one or two buses per year is helping to keep the fleet in excellent condition.
In other action, board members voted to approve a resolution that changes the qualifications needed to be employed as a substitute teacher. Subs will no longer be required to hold a post-secondary degree, but will still need to complete the necessary training and background checks. Interested individuals should contact the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center at (937) 599-5195.
Finally, the board accepted donations of $20,000 from Cargill, $10,000 from A.G. Boogher and Sons and $750 from Farm Credit for the FFA Pole Barn Project.
They accepted a $12,000 donation from the Indian Lake Athletic Boosters to the IL Athletic Department and a $700 donation from the IL Music Boosters to the ILMS Music Department. The board also accepted a $500 donation from Frey Lawn and Landscape and a $200 from the Hershberger Family to the Digital Composite Project.
The next meeting is 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13.