By Paul Hines staff reporter
School finances were on the mind of Shenandoah Superintendent Ron Green as he updated the school board and patrons on the money condition of the corporation at Monday's school board meeting.
Much like many of the other county superintendents, Green expressed unhappiness with the current funding of schools. In the past, Green has said that through a reduction in appropriations the corporation will receive about $72,000 less this year, however current estimates show that figure will approach $82,000. Since the 2005 budget was approved several months ago, Green said the reductions are especially difficult to work into the plan.
"Every month we lose more money per child," Green said.
In more financial news, Green reported to the board that the preschool education grant would be cut an estimated $300 per child per month.
Despite the bad news, Green said, "Shenandoah School Corporation is not broke." But said he wanted the board and public to be aware of the financial situation so it wouldn't come as a surprise to them in the future.
On the positive side, the corporation would receive an estimated $22,000 extra in 2006 and 2007 if projections for increases in student enrollment and vocational enrollment continue.
Green also outlined six goals for the school corporation in 2005. The goals were:
Empower school personnel to implement school improvement plans as outlined in Public Law 221 School and No Child Left Behind legislation.
Refine and expand usage of the STI management software including increased parent communications while continuing to provide training for certified and support staff.
Implement financial efficiencies that reflect the funding realities through the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana General Assembly and Henry County for the corporation.
Continue to refine instructional strategies, assessments and remediation techniques that promote student mastery in all areas of Indiana's Academic Standards.
Implement and model good citizenship skills, character education activities and a bullying prevention curriculum for the corporation.
Initiate negotiations with the SEA that addresses the concerns of teachers and the corporation.
The board also heard a presentation from Penny Wilson, director of instruction concerning ISTEP scores, for ninth and 10th grade students. Wilson said an area the school corporation will be targeting is Algebra I after the results of the 10th grade math scores. Math and specifically algebra have been an increased focus - 30 percent - this year.
Shenandoah and other school systems throughout Henry County saw a decrease in scores at the 10th grade math level with 64 percent of students passing the test at Shenandoah. The corporation was above the state average in language arts and math in ninth grade and 10th grade language arts.
