By Don Rutledge
FPS Associate Editor
July 1, 2008

Two major decisions are facing the Carrollton Board of Education.

One is whether to increase school lunch prices for the 2008-09 school year or go to prepared lunches and another is whether to resubmit a bond issue for the construction of new schools to the voters at the November general election.

Both were discussed at the Board’s June 27 meeting at which time School Supt. Kevin Spears recommended increasing student lunches 15 cents from the current $2.35 to $2.50, which would result in a savings of $16,926.75.

"We basically have two choices - either increase the prices or go to the prepared lunches," Spears told the Board. "During the 2007-08 school year, we had to transfer $81,000 from the general fund into the lunchroom fund," he noted.

He also pointed out the Board needs to act on the school lunch program deficit at their next meeting.

A presentation on providing prepared lunches to Augusta elementary school during the upcoming 2008-09 school year as a pilot project was given by representatives of Preferred Meal Systems, Inc. of Lansing, MI. at the June 10 school board meeting, along with a presentation from representatives of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Union Local 541 who are opposed to the prepared meals proposal.

Board President Rose Kienzle remarked: "We just keep pouring money into the lunch room fund and something has to be done."

Board Member Bonnie Little said she did not feel going with a prepared meals service was a good thing for the school district, adding she doesn’t think there is support for the move.

Kienzle said she anticipates having a special Board meeting sometime in July to decide the school lunch program issue, along with making a decision on whether to place a tax levy or bond issue on the November election ballot since the filing deadline for tax issues is Aug. 21.

Mrs. Kienzle also noted school officials are awaiting some definite answers form the Ohio School Facilities Commission regarding changes in applying for school renovations under the OSFC’s state funded program.

In other business, the Board appointed Assistant School Supt. Palmer Fogler as Superintendent effective Monday, June 30, through July 31. Mrs. Fogler will officially become the school district’s new superintendent Friday, Aug. 1, succeeding Spears who has accepted the position of Superintendent of the Tuscarawas-Carroll-Harrison Educational Service Center at New Philadelphia.

In a prepared press release, Spears said:
"I appreciated the opportunity to serve the Carrollton Exempted Village School District and having had the chance to work with a wonderful staff, administrative, classified and certified. The community is lucky to have dedicated educators and employees who care about each student in our district.

Leaving was a difficult decision, but one that I felt was in the best interest of my family and myself, both professionally and professionally", he added.

The reason Mrs. Fogler was appointed acting Superintendent is because Spears has four weeks of vacation time.

Other problems facing the Board and school district are what to do about maintaining the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool and needed repairs for major roof damage at Carrollton elementary school.

Supt. Spears told the Board at its June 27 "the pool is becoming a night mare" and we’re looking at a significant amount of money to keep the pool open.

Spears said the pool’s roof needs reshingled, along with drainage and other repairs including retiling the pool. "We’re looking at approximately $50,000 alone for the roof repairs plus another $25,000 or $50,000 to bring the pool up to standards," he added.

"We have good attendance at the Thursday night swim meets, but there is no charge. However, Spears pointed out there is limited usage at other times while the pool is open from May until October.

During September and October, some 200 third grade students within the Carrollton Exempted Village School District receive free swimming lessons and approximately 90 Water Warriors use the pool from May until July.

Spears said the village has withdrawn their financial support of the pool, which leaves the upkeep and maintenance burden upon the school district.

In the interim, the Board hired Marge Oakes as pool director for the 2008 season at the rate of $9 per hour until they decided whether to close the pool to the public when school starts.

Other concerns brought to the attention of the Board by Supt. Spears include a ceiling at the Carrollton elementary building which must be redone due to the plaster falling off. According to Spears, it will cost approximately $2,000 for the ceiling repair and a total of approximately $25,000 to repair the major roof damage.