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Superintendent A.J. Gappa
Superintendent A.J Gappa announced that the breakfast and lunch prices will not change for the next school year. The breakfast price will stay at $1.15. The lunch price at the elementary school will remain at $1.75 and the lunch price at the middle and high schools will remain at $2. The board approved the prices.
The Knox Community School Board members last night discussed the cost of the special election held May 7.
“We just gave some information that the original bill from the clerk’s office was $21,721.60, but then it was discovered that there were some mistakes made in that bill,” explained Superintendent A.J. Gappa when discussing the board’s concerns. “Some people turned in vouchers to work on absentee balloting were being paid double for what they were supposed to get. So, the bill was reduced down to $17,732.28.”
Gappa added that there are some questions the board has concerning the estimate given to them before the election. The board was quoted $10,750 before the election and paid a $17,732 claim.
“The big difference of over $7,000 was the main question that the school board had.”
The board hopes to meet with Starke County Clerk Evelyn Skronski and the election board to have some of their concerns addressed.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
The amount was a little more than estimated but now all of the expenses can be paid with the approval of this appropriation.
The school referendum question offered by the Knox Community School Corporation did not pass in Tuesday’s special election.
The final vote found 556 voters against the property tax increase and 458 votes in favor of the construction and rehabilitation project at the Knox Elementary School.
Vote yes or vote no? The Knox Elementary School Palmer Wing project is now in the hands of the voters as taxpayers in the Knox school district head to the polls today. Voters will decide whether or not to finance through property taxes the construction of a new wing and the demolition of the old Palmer Wing, which Superintendent A.J. Gappa said is antiquated, dilapidated, and overall unfit for education.
Gappa said the wing was originally built nearly 60 years ago – a different time, he said, when electricity wasn’t as advanced, heating and cooling was much less effective, and fewer kids ate in the cafeteria. He said 20 years ago when the west wing of the school was added, California and Washington township schools were closed, bringing more students to the Knox school and putting more strain on the old cafeteria.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
The IREAD test is a state test given to all third grade students to measure their reading abilities and comprehension. If the student does not pass the test, he or she will be able to go through remediation and take the test again in the summer.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
Band Director Craige Phipps talked to the board about the successful season of the winter drumline, the winter guard and the groups who participated in state competitions this year.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa explained that the band got to go down to Disney World during spring break to play some music.
“After working with a professional musician for just about 45 minutes and doing some sight-reading, they played the music to the Disney cartoon Tarzan. They played the actual soundtrack. The board enjoyed watching that cartoon. It was kind of neat!” Gappa exclaimed.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
Dr. Ratliff suggested lowering the credits for a general diploma from 46 to 42. The same English and Language Arts credits and Math credits would be needed, but dropping the number of credits would allow more opportunities in the vocational classes or other electives. Plus, the students would be able to graduate on time.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
“The enrollment in the preschool program is now up to thirteen students in each class – one class in the morning and one class in the afternoon. Three of those students are new students who entered the class as the result of the recent Kindergarten Roundup,” said Gappa.
Those students will be entering kindergarten this August with the rest of the kindergarten students.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
The Knox Community School Board this week recognized High School Assistant Principal Mike Bendicsen for a notable education achievement. Superintendent A.J. Gappa explained that Mike Bendicsen finished his educational doctorate through Oakland City University.
“This was a time for the board to bring him in and give him the credit he deserves for going through that process and obtaining that degree,” stated Gappa.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
The Whatever it Takes Committee held an Open House Tuesday night at the Knox Community Elementary School in order to inform those attending of the proposed construction project on the May 7 ballot. Superintendent A.J. Gappa went over the specific problem areas in the 60-year-old Palmer Wing and how the project would be funded.
“I showed them the highlights of the problems with the HVAC units and the electrical system that’s maxed out,” said Gappa. “Door number seven fell in last year into a tunnel beneath it and we had to have that fixed. We also talked about wall separation in certain areas where the foundation is separating from the walls and the boiler system is outdated and in constant need of repair.”
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
Superintendent A.J. Gappa said a 14-passenger mini-bus will be purchased.
“This bus will be wheelchair-equipped,” explained Gappa. “The reason we wanted to move now was because the price of mini-buses will increase next month so we did beat the price increase. The recommendation was for a Collins mini-bus.”
The bus will be delivered this summer.
Superintendent A.J. Gappa
Superintendent A.J. Gappa said some of the students were nationally certified in using the flexograph machine.
