OLD?FORT - In their Monday evening meeting, board members took questions and comments from the public regarding the recent request for more money from teachers.
Resident Arthur Henretty commented on the district's "excellent with distinction" rating as well as asked about the board's political behavior. He also said he was "flabbergasted" by the teachers' expectation of more money during these difficult economic times.
The need for union leaders to accept an agreement in order for the district to pass future levies also was discussed.
Superintendent Laura Keller said a mediator with the support of Ohio School Board Association said they already met with the parties to discuss the negotiations, but has yet to come forth with a second meeting date
Ketter added the board is at the mercy of the mediators to meet and are waiting for another date to be scheduled.
In other news, Keller reported asbestos had been removed from pipes in the boiler room for the elementary school project.
The old boiler is to be required to provide heat until a new one is installed. At that time the old boiler is to become a back-up system.
All pipes and tanks are to be wrapped to reduce heat loss and a new blower is to be put in upon arrival of the condensation tank, which was due Thursday.
Asbestos also has been removed from the bus garage. It was reported Abdoo Wrecking Co. is expected to perform the demolition.
Treasurer Sharon Perry's reported 25 percent of the fiscal year has been completed and 36 percent of the district's forecasted operating revenue was collected. Twenty-nine percent its forecasted expenditures were obligated.
The following donations were accepted by the board: $10, anonymous donor for the golf fund; $50, Alice and Betty Miller in memory of Laura Hoppes Fraser; $97.40, Lions Club for a cafeteria can opener; $240, anonymous donor for the cheerleading fund; and playground fencing, Old Fort Elementary PTO.
The board also approved a senior class trip March 24-28 to San Antonio.
Upcoming dates include end of first-quarter grading period, Oct. 29; fall sports banquet, Nov. 1; and parent-teacher conferences, 3:30-7 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11.
