WEST BRANCH SCHOOLS Board learns that district faces deficit in next 5 years

The district needs to pass a tax levy to stay in the black, the treasurer says.
By JOANN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT.
BELOIT -- West Branch Board of Education has found its district in the same position as many other school districts in the state -- facing a deficit within the five-year period that the state requires it to predict its finances.
At its meeting last week, the board heard Treasurer Karen Elsner say the district's revenue will not be sufficient to run the district without deficit spending in three years.
"We have to take a proactive approach," Elsner said after the meeting. "We can't wait until the money is gone." Elsner said it looks as if the board will have to pass a tax levy to keep the district in the black.
The board also passed its appropriations measure for the 2004-05 year. More than half of the $32.5 million appropriated -- $16.9 million -- goes to the general fund, while $12.3 million of the remaining money is for new construction in the district.
New bus drivers
In other action, the board:
U Hired four bus drivers while also adopting the routes and stops for the school year. Elena Spahr and Misty Hughes, both of Sebring, Christine Harter of Homeworth, and Kim Fink of Salem were hired as full-time drivers.
UHired Richard Ty Caufield of North Georgetown as a full-time custodian at $11.48 an hour, and Occupational Work Experience student Dan Geiselman was named a custodial helper at $5.15 an hour.
UAccepted the disability resignation of Knox Elementary teacher Dixie Warner, effective Sept. 30. Warner had been with the district 21 years.
UAccepted the resignations of bus driver Lonna Blickensderfer and transportation aide Linda Howell.
Middle school trip
UApproved a middle school trip in March for grades seven and eight, which will be either to New York or Toronto.
UAccepted Thiago Fortunato of Brazil as a student through the Rotary Exchange Program.
UAccepted a Martha Holden Jennings Grant for $2,862 for high school teacher Mike Falasca to be used for social studies enhancement.
UAuthorized Superintendent Scott Weingart and Elsner to enter into an easement agreement with the Ohio Edison Co. for facilities at the new elementary school site in Damascus.
UContracted with Beloit for EMT services for the 2004 football season.
URecognized four reporters through the Ohio School Boards Association Media Honor Roll for covering the district's news, including JoAnn Jones of The Vindicator.