The Homer-Center school board approved the final 2018-19 budget, and is taking steps to further increase the safety of its students. The delay in school start times was approved for the coming year, and meal prices were adjusted.
The board voted unanimously to authorize the use of an armed security guard on the school campus during school hours. Logan Dellafiora said the decision is an important step in ongoing efforts to keep students safe:
“It’s a step I think that we do have to take, you know, we have to make sure our students are safe and they feel safe when they come to school.”
Some board members expressed reservations, including Vicki Smith:
“I really don’t like the idea of having armed personnel in the school. I understand that it makes the public, us, and the parents feel that our environment is safer. I’m not sure that’s true.”
Gerald Bertig stressed that the position’s duties will extend beyond being an armed patrol:
“I think it’s also important to, again, convey to the public that this isn’t just the simpler view of having someone with a gun patrolling, but, it’s part of a comprehensive safety program, and that this person will have a job description that instructs them to be looking at all safety aspects of the district in conjunction with what we already have in place…”
In addition to armed security, the board voted also to reestablish a full-time counselor position for the sake of students’ mental health. The motion passed 5 votes to 4 with dissenting members citing budgetary concerns.
In other news, the board passed the following year’s $16,946,487 budget with no tax increase. The $6,338,002 ICTC budget was also approved, with the district’s share totaling $360,262, which is a 1.84% increase from last year.
The 12-minute delay in school start times was also approved. For the following school year, high school’s first bell will sound at 7:47 AM, with student dismissal at 2:58 PM. The elementary will start its first class at 8:57 AM, with a 3:27 PM dismissal time.
Also beginning next school year, breakfast and lunch prices will be increased by five cents and ten cents, respectively. Breakfast will cost $1.40, elementary lunch $2.50, and high school lunch $2.75.
Additionally, Louise Vranesevic was granted tenure for three years of satisfactory teaching in the district. And, the board accepted the resignation of Head Custodian Daniel Bell due to retirement, effective September 8th.
