R-1 Board approves using Summer Journey for three years

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 11/13/19

VIENNA — The Maries R-1 School Board has approved using the successful summer school curriculum program, Summer Journey, for another three years.

At the school board’s October meeting, …

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R-1 Board approves using Summer Journey for three years

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VIENNA — The Maries R-1 School Board has approved using the successful summer school curriculum program, Summer Journey, for another three years.

At the school board’s October meeting, Superintendent Mark Parker said this year’s Summer Journey summer school program saw an increase in enrollment of 55 students. The district claimed 20.73 ADA at $6,330 per student for an income of $155,075 plus Prop C revenue of $24,000 and summer school food reimbursement of $12,234 for a total reimbursement for summer school of $191,778. The costs to the district include transportation costs, additional supplies, staff salaries and food expenses, which total $135,491. This gives Maries R-1 a surplus of $56,000 for summer school. Parker said this is more than they had anticipated.

“I’m asking you if we can do Summer Journey again,” he said. The district plans to set a summer school starting date next month to help parents make decisions about summer school and vacation. The Summer Journey fees will be the same for next year as they were this past summer. If they sign up for a three-year term with Summer Journey, the price will be locked in and remain the same. If they don’t, they anticipate the price will be higher for the additional years. Parker said the staff really liked the software and test preparation. High School Principal Ian Murray said the test prep was very good.

Parker said the Summer Journey program took a lot of organization and the teachers knew that. Board member Joe Barnhart said it will be easier this year since they’ve already done it. Teacher Mrs. Kramer was present and she said she really liked the program and the student retention was good.

Parker said the gift cards made a difference. There were a few complaints but they plan to release the summer school dates early to help parents with their summer plans.

Barnhart said if costs go up a little bit, there is no gain for going with three years. But, if the costs increase by a lot, they should go with three years. Board member Mike Kleffner said, “Everything goes up after three years.” Board member Vicki Bade made a motion to go with the Summer Journey program for three more years and the board members approved it.

Also at the October school board meeting:

• In his administrative report, Parker said they received the first shipment of archery supplies that day. They were able to use grants to purchase over $11,000 of equipment for $900. They received 23 bows and other equipment. Parker and Coach Nick Lovell will assist the students with this new Maries R-1 sport.

Parker said they had a bus driver appreciation morning to thank them for what they do.

There was a good turnout for parent-teacher conferences.

Parker said Charlie LePage and the engineer were on campus recently and spent two hours walking the school to see the improvement projects identified by the school board and the facilities committee. They will compile estimated costs for the list of projects. Emphasis will be put on projects that promote school safety. Parker said they will get estimates on parking lot renovations and track renovations. He hopes to have a complete list with information next month and it will include a timeline to complete the projects. Parker said people are calling him about doing the work and he thinks multiple bids on the projects will bring down the costs. That day, representatives from engineering and architect firms as well as Quaker Windows and Capital Asphalt were on campus.

Parker said the district will be accepting electronic applications for staff, including teachers. He sees this as a positive step as before with only using paper applications and the mail, they were losing some potential applicants. Now, on the district’s website, they are advertising for a Spanish teacher and substitute teachers. He thinks this will speed up the process.

• The board discussed substitute teacher and staff pay. While at a meeting, board secretary Beth Hollis spoke to other bookkeepers about what they pay their subs. One other school paid the same as R-1 and most paid $65 to $100 a day. She said the minimum wage is going up in January to $9.45 per hour and they will have to look at that and make sure they are paying at least that now. If not, they won’t come to R-1 to work.

Kleffner said last year they said the district budgeted for two subs every day at a cost of $200. Bade said they really need to get the pay up because if they pay a small amount, it’s not worth it for the subs. Murray said its hard to get teachers. Parker said he will work on this and make recommendations.

• In the financial report, electricity expenses for October were $4,276.35, which is down from last year. No propane was purchased and the tank is at 72%. The district currently has a propane contract with Lock’s Mill at $0.89 per gallon.

Formula/CTF revenue for October was $118,403.53, Prop C revenue was $35,665.30, and transportation revenue was $6,876. Parker said transportation continues to be funded at 30 to 40%. Formula revenue was up as the district’s ADA is up also.