SALEM SCHOOLS Board rethinks pledge for facility

A hearing was to be today for a suspended worker whose job is in jeopardy.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- A newly configured city school board is considering scrapping a $780,000 pledge made last month to help pay for an athletic complex.
"Money," responded new school board member Marguerite Miller, when asked today why the panel is weighing the action.
The fund-strapped district can't afford investing in the $1.2 million project, Miller said.
"It doesn't seem fair to the voters," she added.
The school board agreed in December to put up $780,000 toward the project. The Salem Athletic Boosters Club is overseeing the project and would raise money for it.
The school district's $780,000 pledge would enable the club to borrow money from a bank to build the facility, which is planned for the high school.
Using fund-raisers, the club would pay for the complex and eventually donate it to the school district.
If the club were unable to raise enough to repay the construction loan, then some or all the $780,000 of school money would be used to pay off the debt.
Miller, who was among three new school board members elected in November, said although the board thinks the athletic complex is needed, the district can't afford to put up money for it.
Private meeting planned
In other business, school officials were to meet privately today with suspended treasurer's office employee Annette Howard.
Superintendent Dr. David Brobeck wants to fire Howard over allegations that she engaged in improper activities, including making unauthorized purchases using school district money.
Howard has denied the allegations.
During today's hearing, the district's evidence of wrongdoing will be presented to Howard, who will have a chance to respond.
Should the district go ahead with the firing, a special school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 2 in the administration building.
During that session, the school board will weigh the matter. Howard will be allowed to choose whether the meeting is held publicly or privately.