Friday, May 16, 2008
Jackson-Milton Board of Education handled these matters at its Thursday meeting:
Engaged in discussions about a five-year, 5.5-mill renewal levy on the Aug. 5 special election ballot. The levy would raise about $988,000 annually for general operating expenses and would not mean new taxes for residents, Treasurer John Zinger stressed. Passage also would likely ensure financial stability for the district through 2012, noted board member Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, who heads the board’s finance committee.
Heard ideas about improving communications regarding district-related matters. Board member Victor Wolfe said he wanted a June deadline to come up with a plan to more efficiently get such communications to parents, students and the community. Other related ideas Wolfe mentioned were community broadcasts and a newsletter to parents, school personnel and residents.
Learned that construction of the new Jackson-Milton High School/Middle School is on schedule. Work on the foundation to the $14.5 million, 81,000-square-foot facility is to get under way Monday, noted board member Joe Yochman. The school will be on Mahoning Avenue just east of the elementary school. It should be open to pupils in grades six through 12 by September 2009.