The Luther School Board conducted its October business in about thirty minutes Monday night. But the short agenda packed a lot information.
Here’s the rundown:
Treasurer Gary Roy reported that the district has “plenty of money,” and although the current balance is low, tax receipts are expected in November, December and January to meet the “Estimate of Needs” approved last month. He said a budget analysis for the current year that is 25% complete shows just less than 13% of the budget has been spent.
Board member CJ Cavin asked whether the transition of Luther’s First Bank & Trust to BancFirst will affect the school district where accounts are held. Roy, bank president, said he couldn’t think of anything that would affect the district when the sale goes through, expected in February.
Superintendent Barry Gunn told the board that the official enrollment number is up by 32 students over last year to a count of 819 students from PreK to Twelfth grade. What a difference a year makes; this time last year, the district reported a loss of almost 90 students for the official October 1 enrollment count that helps set state funding.
Mr. Gunn also reported that elementary music might return through a partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma. Details are being worked out but music could be offered as soon as January to students one or two days a week.
Elementary Principal Sheila Wilson thanked the board members for their participation in the school carnival last week, bringing a laugh from the members who participated in a “pie in the face” fund-raiser. She said the event was a success for the teachers to raise money for their classrooms. She reported Delta Dental will offer free sealants to second graders in November.
She said on Monday, the Luther Fire Department drove the big engine to the school to share Fire Safety information. Mrs. Wilson said she overheard a kindergartner who got to climb on the engine AND blow the horn say, “it was the best day of his life … ever.”
The board approved a new contract for copy services since the current contract with Xerox is expiring. Mr. Gunn reported that Xerox did not respond to a bid request to keep the job. The board selected a contract with Image Works, a company that only charges school districts for copies, and doesn’t charge (school districts) for the rental of the copy machines. While the copy machine and copy rental cost $27,000 yearly with Xerox, the new contract with Image Works is expected to run about $15,000. Image Works also services Jones, Kingfisher and Guthrie schools.
The long-awaited sign for “The LaVern Veasy Performing Art Center” could adorn the auditorium building by the end of the semester. The board approved a contract with Fastsigns for $1,700 for the lettering to go above the outside entrance of the building to honor the long-time beloved music teacher who retired last year.
The board set a school board election for February 13, 2018. It’s the seat currently held by CJ Cavin who is filling the unexpired term of Charles DeFuria who resigned from his elected position last spring. Cavin was appointed in April. Filing for the office will be December 4 – 6 at the Oklahoma County Election Board.
The board signed off on a stack of fund-raisers for various organizations including a Fall Dance on October 24, sponsored by the band to raise funds for its Memphis trip. The band is also selling funnel cakes at games and snacks at lunchtime. There were several other fundraisers approved for the baseball team, FFA and others.
