LEETONIA- The Leetonia school board instituted an athletic participation fee schedule and suspended the contract of five teachers in cost-saving maneuvers at its regular meeting Wednesday night.
The participation fees will be annual, with the board reserving the right to adjust as it sees fit.
Since the fees are reasonable in relation to other schools, there will be no cap for families or multi-sport athletes, although a hardship protocol will probably exist similar to academic fees, according to Treasurer Larry Syverson.
Schools Superintendent Edward Kapusinski added that other schools' participation fees ranged from $150-$300 per sport.
The newly established fees range from $85 for high school varsity football and boys and girls basketball to $40 for junior high track and volleyball.
Board member Danny Ferry was the only one to vote against the fees.
Additionally the board suspended the contracts of junior high math teacher Joseph Bruderly, junior high special education teacher Kevin Finch, elementary intervention specialist Christine Hames, high school intervention specialist John McIlduff and fourth grade teacher Kellee Chaffee, a move that could save the school $1 million over four years, according to Syverson, although some may be brought back depending on how scheduling and enrollment develops for the 2009-2010 school year.
"It's a tough thing to do, but one of those things that at this time is necessary," said Kapusinski.
The board also accepted the retirements of fifth grade teacher Robert Mesmer and third grade teacher Suzanne Manzi, as well as the retirement with possibility of rehire of art teacher Sandra Mitchell and employee Vicki Smith.
In total, the contract suspensions and retirements will save the school over $200,000, according to Syverson.
"These moves are not knee-jerk reactions to our financial status, but have been steady with the decrease in enrollment and the financial situation," Syverson said. "We are trying to stay on top of the curve, and I feel we are approaching it as intelligently as possible under the circumstances."
Syverson also announced that the school is under budget in several areas, so that even though state funding and real estate tax collection has been lower than projected, the school will be facing a deficit of approximately $350,000 by June 30 instead of the projected nearly $500,000, which should enable the school to get through the summer without borrowing against next year's revenue if the 8.8-mill emergency levy fails Tuesday.
In other news, board member Kurt Jennings announced that corrections to the pamphlet regarding neighboring districts' tax rates that was mailed to voters will be published on the school Web site, www.leetonia.k12.oh.us; the board accepted donations totaling $2,600 from local community organizations for various school programs; and Kapusinski reminded residents that the stadium is open to the public for walking.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 27 in Room 20 of the K-12 Campus.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
