BROOKFIELD SCHOOLS Board approves 4-mill levy for Nov. 4 ballot

Levy funds would be used to hold down health-care costs, the treasurer said.
BROOKFIELD -- Following the lead of other Trumbull County school districts, the board of education agreed to place a 4-mill, five-year additional levy on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Because of funding cuts at the state level and declining enrollment figures, the school district is facing ending the 2003-04 school year with a negative balance, Treasurer Michelle Orahood explained.
If approved, the levy will generate more than $536,000 each year for current expenses. Orahood said the money could be used for any type of district operating expense, but the main reason it's needed is to cover increasing health-care and insurance costs.
"The loss of state foundation money really impacted us," she said.
Earlier this year, Gov. Bob Taft cut school funding throughout the state by more than $10 million, which forced several local school districts to also cut costs and watch spending to avoid deficit balances.
Personnel matters
Board members also approved several contract renewals and new hires for administrators at their meeting earlier this week. Superintendent Joseph White will see his salary increase 3 percent next year to $80,340.
Also receiving contract renewals for the 2003-04 school year were middle school Principal Ron Garrett, who will now earn $59,041, and high school Principal John Yensick, who will be paid $72,413. Garrett received a two-year contract; Yensick's pact is for three years.
The board also voted to hire Louise Mason as the new high school assistant principal. The two-year contract gives her an annual salary of $57,750.
Other action taken by the board:
UApproved a one-year limited contract for Julie Skripac as middle school math teacher for $28,880.
UAwarded a one-year limited contract to Sheri Ondo as middle school language arts teacher for $31,631.
UHired Cassendra Caldwell as adviser for the seventh- and eighth-grade cheerleaders for $1,265, and Robin Dillon as ninth-grade cheerleading adviser for $1,265.
UAuthorized payment to Daniel Deramo, retired middle school math teacher, for accumulated, unused sick leave for $14,235. The union contract allows retirees to be paid for either one-quarter of their unused sick days, or for 50 unused days, whichever amount is greater, Orahood said.