By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – Chief Business Officer Matt Stone told the Wabash City Schools Board late Monday afternoon that the corporation expects to receive $9.6 million from the state for the 2016 – 2017 school year. This is down from $9.9 million last school year and $10.9 million two years ago. Stone said that the corporation’s enrollment will likely stay the same and the state slightly increased the amount the district gets per student. The good news, Stone added, is that the cuts have already been made and Wabash City Schools shouldn’t have to make anymore cuts to their general fund. Stone also said that debt service will remain steady and the CPF, which pays for all the district’s technology and infrastructure, will be advertised at around $1.1 million.
The board also approved changes to the Wabash Middle and High School Handbooks Monday afternoon. Changes include adding a section on academic integrity, excused absences, a laptop use policy – which states that using a school-provided computer is a privilege and not a right – and the elimination of certain AP courses that conflict with their corresponding dual credit courses.
The board then adopted an internal control and collection and forgiveness of debt policy. The latter policy sets out how the corporation will go after those who don’t pay their bills to the school. Stone explained that the uncollected textbook debt was $46,000 last year alone, a number which raised a few eyebrows in the board room.
Then the board approved administrators’ salaries. Except for Stone and O.J. Neighbours Assistant Principal Josh Blossom, the administrators’ pay remained the same as last year. Superintendent Jason Callahan will earn $104,000 each year for the next three school years, Stone $90,000 a year for the next two school years and the principals of the three schools in the corporation from $77,000 to $85,000 also for the next two school years.
Finally, the board approved Emily France to replace long-standing and recently retired Susan Keefer as Choir Teacher.