BOE approves buying two busses

By Dean Shipley

Staff Writer

Spending the money is a good idea.

That’s what Robert Butz countered with Tuesday evening at the Madison-Plains Board of Education meeting. Butz, an attendee to the meeting, said it was a good idea to spend the proposed $192,122 on two new school buses, after board member David Hunter asked the question, should the board approve the expenditure.

“We’re trying to get a levy through. It’s a big chunk of money,” Hunter said.

The two new buses will be a rolling example of the district’s spending Butz said and a way to show district residents how the district’s permanent improvement dollars are being spent. In light of the 2.5 mill permanent improvement levy the district is asking the voters to pass on May 7, it’s a good thing, in Butz’s opinion.

“You demonstrate what the money is used for,” Butz said.

The money for the buses had been previously budgeted and by buying the new buses the district updates its fleet as a way to keep the riders safe.

The bid for the two 78-passenger Thomas-built buses was submitted by Edwin H. Davis.

Boone Hall superintendent, said the transportation department will add one more bus in Mt. Sterling and South Solon “to reduce the overload.” Hall said some drivers have been added to help.

There was some discussion on the need to focus the teachers “on a few things.” After a look at the scores of Madison-Plains students on Ohio’s tests, Hall said the focus should be on the core curriculum.

Data on students should be examined.

“Everything we do has to be based on data,” Hall said. “We have to look at students (data) to give them the help they need.”

Board member Don Swonger said to help the students there needs to be a “culture change” in the community.

“There has to be a culture change in the community so they understand the importance of education,” Swonger said. “You have a culture that does not value education. You have to educate your people.”

Board member David Hunter said he sees a problem with scores in seventh and eighth grade math.

“It keeps cropping up,” he said. “Are we doing anything to improve anything?”

In other business, the BOE:

• Accepted the security agreement with Acree Daily Integrated Systems in which security in all four buildings will be improved at a cost of $49,000

• Hired Jason Hunt as varsity football coach; Kelly Stoughton as guidance secretary; Kassie Arnold as tutor; Kelly Durban as substitute bus driver

• Approved math bee advisors: Betsy Ames, Brad Miller, Brian Snider and outdoor education trip advisor Jeff Spradlin.

• Approved the articulation agreement with Southern State Community College for advanced credit to the post-secondary program agriculture production for relevant high school courses.