By JOHN BADEN
Record Herald Writer
Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed 6.24.12
WEST MILTON – November’s ballot will contain a levy for the Milton-Union Schools, but it will not mean new taxes for West Milton residents.
The Milton-Union Board of Education passed the renewal Monday night at its monthly meeting in the conference room of the elementary and middle school building.
The levy, which is 10.9 mills, will not feature any increases in taxes for citizens in West Milton and will be on the ballot Nov. 6. According to Superintendent Ginny Rammel, the levy goes into the general operating fund and pays for items such as utilities, salary, teaching materials and textbooks.
Originally passed in 2003, this will be the third time the levy is up for renewal, according to Treasurer Chuck Klein.
Building demolition
The board also took the first step in demolishing the old school buildings by approving the advertisement of bidding for contracts. Klein said a resolution for the acceptance of the bids collected next month will likely be passed in August.
The bid package includes the destruction of the old elementary, middle and high school buildings and an extension for high school utilities. According to the resolution, the estimated cost for this package is $1,031,300.
Residents can expect the elementary and middle school building to come down in September, with the high school being knocked down closer to the end of the year or beginning of 2013.
New additions
This fall, the school’s administration and staff will see new faces and familiar faces with different jobs.
Kathryn Grothaus will be resigning from her assistant principal position at the elementary next month.
“Because fifth grade is part of middle school now, we no longer felt we needed a part-time assistant,” Superintendent Dr. Virginia Rammel said.
Grothaus will instead be teaching computer and multimedia literacy at the middle school this fall.
Other additions to staff for the 2012-2013 school year will include Benjamin Deeter as a high school art teacher, Jacie Holman as a middle school social studies teacher, Megan McCuiston as a high school English teacher and Amanda Reigelsperger as an intervention specialist.
Rammel will be doing a retire/rehire in September and stay the superintendent.
Innovative learning
Present at the meeting was Mark Schlater, the chief operating officer of Council on Rural Services. This organization was first started in 1972 and resides in Piqua.
The nonprofit uses innovative learning programs and opportunities to equip children and families in need to live lives of purpose.
Milton-Union Schools has 34 preschool students currently in the organization’s education services.
Through the program, students have maintained skills and excelled in subjects such as English and literacy.
“I think we’re making a big difference with the kids,” Schlater said.
The next board of education meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. July 16.
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