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BELOIT--The board of education awarded the bid contract for the installation of a new master water meter in its April meeting.
The contract was awarded to the only bidder, Utility Contracting Inc., at a cost of $76,300. The installation of the meter is necessitated as a previously unknown --and unmetered water line supplying water to the high school sports complex --was discovered last year, meaning water was flowing into the school that the villages of Sebring and Beloit were paying for 50% of. As a result, it was required the district install a new master meter at the entrance of the school which will track all water flowing into all buildings on the property with the exception of the bus garage which has a separate meter already in place.
The district's honored Student of the Month was fourth grader Elijah Kash. The district also recognized an honored community member for the first time, honoring Ann McDaniel for her years of dedication to the district and its programs. A crabapple tree will be planted in a landscaped area featuring picnic tables and a plaque of recognition, with a dedication to be held at the soccer field. Materials and labor for the project are being donated by Smith Excavating.
In his report Treasurer Adam Fisher discussed proposed new state legislation House Bill 1. Fisher said that under current law homeowners receive a credit of approximately 10% on their property taxes. The district is later reimbursed by the state for the corresponding decrease in property tax revenue it receives as a result. Fisher said under the proposed legislation a false savings is being promised to residents that would have a significant impact on the property tax revenue of school districts within the state.
The new law reduces the property tax collection rate by 10%, but removes the 10% credit homeowners currently receive. Meaning that should the new law pass, the amount property owners actually pay will remain the same. However, Fisher explained that by eliminating the credit --and as a result the reimbursement to schools --the state will be reducing the tax revenue of school districts across Ohio by 10%, while providing no actual, tangible reduction in property tax payments to residents. Fisher encouraged all residents to contact their state legislators and request they vote no on House Bill 1.
Other items approved included: the retirement of aide Terri McDonald effective June 6; the resignation of Intervention Specialist Logan Coe at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year; a leave of absence for Intermediate Secretary Denise Elder for up to six weeks beginning April 10; the hire of custodian Nazareth Heestand effective April 4; the hire of Social Studies teacher Bryce Ostheimer for the 2023-2024 school year; the reappointment of High School Principal Brian Coffee for three years, beginning Aug. 1, 2023 through July 31, 2026; the reappointment of High School Assistant Principal Penny DeSheilds for three years beginning Aug. 1, 2023 through July 31, 2026; the reappointment of Lindsey Szymanski for three years beginning Aug. 1, 2023 through July 31, 2026; professional days and superintendent assignments for April 2023; the adoption of a resolution to provide the three-week Success by Six Pre-K Summer intervention program; staff for the Summer Success by Six program; the appointment of Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company as the student insurance provider for the 2023-2024 school year; and overnight and out of town camps for girls junior varsity and varsity basketball, and girls soccer for summer 2023.