The Antwerp School Board Meeting started at 5:30 p.m. on May 16, 2024. President Sara Schuette opened the meeting with approving the previous board minutes. Bob Herber stated that Governor DeWine signed a new bill that would allow the schools to have a cell phone policy. Cell phone use could get out of control. If a problem arises, the school can limit, now using state law. Marty Miller stated that Antwerp hasn’t had a huge problem with cell phone use.
Vantage had a meeting on May 2. The first class of LPN to RN students graduated. On May 10, they had a CAP signing. The last day will be early next week.
Kristine Stuart presented the financial report for the month of March:
income: $1,113,001.89
expenses: 1,161,865.79
interest: $41,657.92
The five year forecast for the financial does show a deficit spending because of the new building being built. The real estate revenue increased by over $100,000. The income tax revenue decreased by $52,000. Expenses did go up some, and the unexpected bus purchase, and increased computer purchased expense, all contributed to a higher expense than what was anticipated. The school is 83% through the fiscal year.
Travis Lichty wrote that 43 students are graduating in the class of 2024. There are several students who will be taking summer school. Prom went very well. He also wrote a letter to the board about his seven years being at the school.
Traci Stokes stated that the PTO provided a picnic for those who earned their AR points in elementary. Earlier in the week, Field Day took place. On Monday, May 20th the fifth grade will have their graduation.
Marty Miller, superintendent, said that Doug Billman will be the next principal for the Elementary. Sam Williamson will be taking over for Mr Short’s position. There is several position openings currently at the school. The Wellness Center will have an inspection to clean up some of the final things. August 14 is the potential date for an Open House to see the new facility. The pressbox audio system was working well at the tournament game. AEP has to hook up the power to the building. Derek Hines came up with a building and grounds update on a serenity garden.
Harold Gotke stated that the new computers have been delivered already with the exception of several teacher computers. The fiber optic line has to be fixed because the fiber was damaged by a cement truck since it’s in the middle of a driveway. The district had a conference about upcoming issues that cyber security will be dealing with in the near future.
Dr. Miller stated the school year started with 694 students and ended with 703. Paulding Putnam Electric donated money for an AED for the new building. A $10,000 donation will be received for the new robots. This was beyond the match by APT and the Eagles.
Herber asked why geometry scores are so low for our students. He then clarified that the test scores are just low across the state. Miller said he thinks there is a problem with the test and how it is written because they have been focusing on it for several years and just cannot seem to get the scores up even though the kids are doing well in it.
