CHAMPION Schools' levy drive will begin

District schoolchildren are doing their part to help hurricane victims.
By MARY C. POFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CHAMPION -- The Champion school board announced the campaign to get a new 8.1-mill levy passed in November kicks off with a meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in the high school auditorium.
At the board's Monday night session, it outlined the agenda for the first campaign meeting. Financial information on the district's need for the levy will be available as well as literature on how passage of the tax issue will help Champion schools retain its excellent status according to the state.
The board said information booths also will be at the meeting so district residents can discuss the levy and get questions answered.
Parents also will have the opportunity to sign up to help with the levy campaign.
The five-year additional levy would raise $1,305,648 annually for the district's operations.
Helping hurricane victims
In other business, the board learned that district students are doing their share to help Hurricane Katrina victims.
High school students had collected $500, clothing and miscellaneous items for relief efforts.
Middle school pupils collected $300, and the Hot Rod Cruising Association matched their $300. Elementary school pupils, along with the Rotary Club of Champion, filled the school stage and band room with clothes for the victims and collected $342.
The three schools also plan to collect backpacks and school supplies to send to the children affected by the hurricane.
Excellent review
The board also learned the school district received an excellent mark on its report card review by the state education department.
School Treasurer Brian Gillespie wanted the board and public to know the school system hasn't received any citations in 17 years for its financial records.
The Raymond John Wean Foundation for the Champion Deaf Education Program presented the board with a $5,000 donation.
The money will fund the Arts Excel Program for the district's deaf students.
The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct.17 in the high school media center.