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The School Board interviewed Elementary Principal candidate Amy Cox on May 10, which included two forums: one for staff and the other for the community. Cox is a Pomeroy native and familiar with smaller communities and schools. The Board will meet to discuss Cox and likely make a decision this week.
DAYTON–The School Board was received great news regarding the budget during the recent work session May 5. The District's minimum fund balance has an end-of-year balance close to $1 million–a number far larger than they've ever seen. This is due to FEMA money.
Former Vice-Chair Dave Bailey suggested setting aside a reserve of the annual balance for emergencies. The rest of the surplus could go towards capital improvements.
One proposed idea was setting aside a certain amount, a minimum amount of $400,000, enough to cover one month's payroll. However, there was discussion about not allowing the working budget to go below a set dollar amount, regardless of the allotted money for expenditures or improvements.
Superintendent Guy Strot said he and Business Manager Paula Moisio and other staff would meet to decide on a recommendation to present to the Board at the next regular meeting on May 19. Moisio is working on the 2021-22 budget.
"This is just a unique opportunity," said Bailey. "We haven't had this money to even talk about this. I think we do need to be wise and put some away in case something happens. We can act fast and not be dependent on banks...The minimum is the minimum; we don't touch it. It's true reserve. It's there in case of emergencies."
Strot told the Board there is $5 million State grant funding opportunity for rural schools without a matching requirement that could pay for an expanded plan for capital improvements. He suggested they work with McKinstry, who will be coming May 19. They work with government entities to obtain project quotes that is part of the grant process.
The grant, if won, would be awarded in February or March of 2022. But, Strot said, while pursuing the grant the administration would also seek quotes from contractors for a reduced plan for improvements in the event the grant is not received.
Strot told the Board the grant can be awarded for the following year, providing two opportunities to be awarded. To hire McKinstry would cost $60,000 but Strot says it's likely the District can be given state money to cover $50,000 of the cost. Otherwise, the District already has budgeted $100,000 for planning costs.
Former Vice-Chair Dave Bailey assumed the Chair position, due to Katie Leid stepping down. Bailey has served on the Board for 12 years.
The Board discussed with Strot the challenge of filling her position because candidates would need to be registered voters and consider filing to be on the ballot in November between May 17-21. The Board said the position could be filled by someone who does not file for the election temporarily until November, but whoever is elected would take over. All Board positions are up for election this year except for Justin Jaech, who holds Position No. 2.
Strot presented an update on the process of filling the elementary school principal position. On May 10, interviews with Strot were held for the top candidate, and followed by tours of the school and town. The candidate was then interviewed with a selected group of staff and one or two board members before being presented to the remaining staff in a forum followed by a community forum that evening. Initially, there were two top candidates but one withdrew for personal reasons.
