KENDRA MAJORS

While, Pike County Schools should fair better in 2009 than most school systems, Superintendent Mark Bazzell said that next year is going to be tougher.

The board approved budget adjustments that stem from the proration cuts announced last month at its Monday meeting.

After the announcement of 12.5 percent proration, which was eventually cut to 9 percent with the help of rainy day funds, the system was forced to make adjustments.

Still, the system is hopeful that the cuts will decrease to only 5.5 percent.

Still, Pike County is in better shape than half of the schools systems, which do not have the months of reserves the system has.

Bazzell said the system should be OK as long as they aren’t plagued with the higher cost of fuel.

At the meeting, Bazzell encouraged teachers to let the board know if they needed anything and they would find the funds to get it.

The board is watching and waiting to see what happens in the February legislative session, Bazzell said the state superintendents have made it clear to legislators they are not in favor of raising divisors.

At this point PCS has not had to make any teacher cuts, but if the state raises divisors then people will be cut.

Bazzell said they the system is currently watching the amount of overtime allowed and he will discuss with principals the importance of helping lower utility bills.

According to Bazzell, everything the system can do to keep costs down will put the system in that much better shape for next year.

Among other business, Stephanie Snyder gave a technology presentation, which highlighted the new Web site for the system.

She also gave a demonstration of how the student e-mail at gaggle.net, which the board approved in its December meeting, works.

The county awarded a bid to Acme Roofing for the reroofing of Goshen Elementary School, Pike County High School Agriscience building and Pike County Elementary School.

A request by Goshen High School cheerleader sponsors to begin stunt technique practice as outlined in the AACAA guidelines was approved.

The board also accepted Brad Waggoner’s resignation from his position as head football coach and athletic director at Pike County High School, and approved employment for Laura Hixon as Kindergarten teacher at Goshen Elementary School.