News

October 14, 2008

Dallas schools OK new roof, library donation

Board learned fourth-graders scored 97 percent proficient in science.

DALLAS TWP. – The Dallas School Board approved a variety of expenditures at its monthly meeting on Monday evening, including almost $10,000 for a new roof for one building.

A $9,950 bid from Roof Pro was approved to re-roof the old Dallas Township school, as was a resolution to give the Back Mountain Memorial Library $8,400.

Board member Dennis K. Gochoel Jr. was alone in voting to deny the library the money. Asked why, he cited the removal of swings and slides at the library as his reason for opposing the financial support. He also voiced a desire to see the library host book drop-offs at schools.

The board also approved the district paying $19,209 to refinance a buy-out option for some computer equipment. District technology director Bill Gartrell said he had been unaware of the lease terms on the equipment and had upgraded and redeployed it.

Rather than send back the upgraded equipment, he recommended the board pay to purchase it.

The board tabled a motion to pay $758.40 for replacement parts for new furniture after board member Gary Mathers questioned the expenditure. It was mentioned that some filing cabinets and a desk had arrived damaged, but an adequate explanation was unavailable about what the costs were for.

District fourth-graders scored 97 percent proficient in state testing for science, an accomplishment that elicited a round of applause for those responsible.

Board member Dr. Bruce Goeringer voiced displeasure with the photography company they hired for school pictures and asked that another one be approved next year. He noted that he’s had two seniors in the past two years and both students’ pictures had to be retaken by an outside photographer.

The board also approved a variety of personnel changes, including hiring up to five tutors for math and reading, a school nurse, a part-time reading teacher and a pool manager.

In other business:

• Though a preconstruction meeting is scheduled for later this week, the contractor for building the new baseball field has asked to start today to take advantage of good weather, said Mark Kraynack, who oversees the district’s building and grounds. The contractor will begin the $150,000 project today by demolishing the building on the property.

• Kraynack said a preconstruction meeting was held last week on the high school’s new waterline project.

• Police plan to visit the district Thursday to tour security-sensitive areas.

Rory Sweeney, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 970-7418.

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