DANVILLE – Danville’s board of education discussed infrastructure improvements Monday, approving items initiating building processes and forming committees that will decide future district priorities.
The board approved $3,000 for architectural drawings, estimates and studies conducted by Schrock Construction for softball field restrooms.
Softball coach Charlie Duncan, who is also an intervention specialist for the district, said the athletic boosters plan to come up with the rest of the funds needed for the construction of the project.
“We’ve been using a porta potty out there for years,” Duncan said, explaining that long lines for the restroom have caused game delays and are the only option for students to use as a changing space.
The board’s motion Monday will initiate the process to build restrooms, however the completion of the restrooms is not expected until about a year from now.
Also Monday, the board approved an agreement for limited professional consulting services with SHP for $25,000.
As a part of these services, the district will be creating a Community Advisory Team to discuss infrastructure improvements and finances, as the district considers bringing in more tax money through levies on the November 2022 ballot.
The first CAT meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 10.
Superintendent Jason Snively said more information will be shared in a forthcoming school newsletter.
According to Snively, SHP suggests several aspects of the community be represented on the CAT, including parents, business owners, elected officials, people from the religious community and the arts, business owners, among others.
“We have a lot to talk about,” Snively said.
Regarding specific projects to be considered, Snively mentioned athletic facilities — such as a field house, locker rooms and restrooms — as well as improvements to school buildings — such as elevators and stage improvements.
Snively provided rudimentary estimates for cost based on square footage.
“We’re probably looking between $7 and $8 million worth of projects, that’s right now, we figure, $300 per square foot,” Snively said.
The board also approved other financial items Monday, including grants.
The district received an Attorney General Safety Grant of $3,193.61. Examples of how the funding can be used include a school resource officer certification training, active shooter and school safety training or equipment, training to identify and assist students with mental health challenges, and school supplies or equipment related to school safety or for implementing the school’s safety plan, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Overall, attorney general Dave Yost awarded $11 million in safety grants for the 2022-2023 school year.
Danville will be getting a new bus.
The board accepted a bus bid from Ohio CAT for the purchase of one 72-passenger conventional bus at a cost of $102,341 — $45,000 of which will be paid for through the school bus purchase program.
Residents will see changes to how they personally handle some finances with the district — specifically ticket sales.
The district entered a service agreement with Hometown Ticketing with the board’s approval for digital ticketing and event management software at no cost to the district.
Treasurer Tonya Mickley said the online ticketing option will mainly be used for the upcoming spring play and potentially for prom. There are no plans at this time to use the online system for athletics.
Regarding other financial items discussed Monday, the district is seeing higher receipts this time of year compared to last year, mainly due to the state’s new budget formula kicking in. Districts across the state received true-ups to make up for funds not provided in the fall.
Additionally, student health and wellness money is now included in the district’s general fund, whereas it had been a special revenue fund in the past.
Another deviation from years past involves printers and copiers. The district has decided to lease the equipment rather than buy it.
“What we’ve learned, they way copiers work, they’re a lot like a computer,” Snively said. “You get about five years out of it and then all the technology and programming that’s in those, they’re kind of obsolete after five years, so I think a better way to go about this is a lease.”
The board agreed and approved a lease agreement with Perry ProTECH for printer and copiers at a rate of $544.01 per month for 60 months.
Regarding student achievement, Danville’s elementary robotics team has advanced to the state competition, which will occur in early March. Snively said principal’s/discretionary funds are covering registration fees currently, but the district plans to find sponsors to provide long-term funding streams for the future of the program.
Regarding personnel, Monday’s meeting included two resignations.
High school math teacher Hannah Howard resigned. Howard’s resignation will not take technically effect until the end of the 2021-22 school year, however the board also approved Family and Medical Leave Act leave for Howard beginning approximately April 18th through the end of the school year.
Head volleyball coach Emily Hogg also resigned. Hogg’s resignation took effect immediately.
The district filled two positions through the employment of Tyler Barner as assistant baseball coach and Emma Brewer as an elementary teacher. Brewer had been with the district previously, but as a substitute.
The board meeting started with full attendance, but board member Charlie Bratton left approximately a half hour into the meeting.
