SCSB Questions Ban on Board Participation at Committee Meetings

Longtime Spring Cove School District School Board Member John Biddle expressed his concerns about school board members and committees at Monday evening's meeting. According to Biddle, if a board member does not sit on a committee, they cannot attend committee meetings, have an active role or give input.

"Why does a board member have to sit in the back and say nothing?" Biddle asked. "It sure doesn't make sense to me."

Biddle said all committee meetings used to allow board members to participate. Biddle was told he would have a chance to give input at committee of the whole meetings and board meetings on any topics the committees brought forward. This practice of prohibiting participation by non-committee members also came on the advice of the board solicitor. Biddle then asked if this was a school district rule or state rule. The solicitor was going to check further into this matter.

It was announced that there would be a resolution to not increase the district's taxes above the Act 1 Index for the 2023-24 school year, if there is any tax increase.

Jeff Koontz of Ritchey, Ritchey, and Koontz gave the auditor's report for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Koontz announced there were no audit findings. Ritchey said there was $9.5 million in cash in general fund and $12 million in total assets. There was $29 million in revenue and $28 million in expenditures. Revenue for the district was 44 percent from local resources, 49 percent from state, and 7 percent federal. Pension liability was just under $30 million.

Special recognition was given to Central High School musician, Connor Hummel, who was chosen for all national choir. Hummel said, "This was the best thing I've ever done in my life."

Three-hundred-fifty of the best singers in the entire country were at the event. They did video auditions for solos and Hummel was chosen to perform one.

The Central High School course list and course description book for 2023-24 school year is complete. Principal Stephanie Thompson announced addition of an environmental science course and updating of history courses. Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker also announced there would be additional bus drivers for the 2022-23 school year. Drivers have been an ongoing problem and times where office staff has had to drive bus routes on some days due to shortage of drivers. Often times no substitute drivers were available.

Thompson announced that the school musical was moving along with one round of auditions completed and more auditions being done this week. She announced there was no cast yet, but it was getting closer.

There was a hiring of a Spring Cove Middle School nurse and staff resignations for the purpose of retirement. A schedule of all board meetings for the 2023-24 school year was completed. The next regular board meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. at the administration office board room.

There will be a Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.