ADAMS TOWNSHIP — There is a measurable difference — many would describe it a steep drop — in turnover of personnel at Clinton-Massie schools.
Two years ago, there were 41 changes in personnel district-wide; one year ago there were 38 changes; this summer, there have been six changes, said Superintendent Matt Baker.
And of the six new hires, four are Clinton-Massie residents, Baker added.
“People are starting to stick around a little bit better,” said the superintendent who is wrapping up his first year on the job.
After the Clinton-Massie treasurer gave her monthly report Monday, school board member Jeremy Lamb happily noted the district’s cafeteria services finished the latest academic year in the black by $1,900.
A number of years ago, food services at Massie had “roughly a $70,000 deficit,” recalled Lamb.
At the time the district contracted out its food services but, with that budget shortfall, district officials examined the situation and decided to make the service in-house, looking at it as a potential cost savings, the board member added.
That move has “panned out,” said Lamb.
As expected, the board this week approved a resolution for a tax levy. The property tax levy on this fall’s ballot will be either 6 mills or a little less.
At the June board meeting, board members unanimously declared a need for a levy. Finances will have to be stabilized if Clinton-Massie is going to be the best district in the region, the superintendent said in March at a community forum.
Aaron and Ashley Seewer each received a Consistently Making A Difference (CMAD) Award from the school board. Their nominator said Mr. Seewer had been “a phenomenal history teacher,” inspiring the nominator’s son to participate in Buckeye Boys State.
Mr. Seewer now has taken on “the daunting task of middle school and high school assistant principal where he continues to be a positive role model,” the nomination stated.
As for Ashley Seewer, she “opens the minds and hearts of her Spanish students,” added the nominator.
This year Ashley Seewer took over as adviser to the National Honor Society, and if it weren’t for her, the nominator’s son and others would not have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City, stated the nomination.
Among personnel action approved at the board meeting, health and physical education teacher Dan McSurley and bus driver Carolyn Lee were rehired after their retirements. A required public hearing was held during last month’s board meeting to consider the proposed retire-and-rehires of McSurley and Carolyn Lee. There was no explicit opposition from the public at that hearing.
Looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, the board approved the 2017-18 preschool handbook, the student/parent handbook for Clinton-Massie High School, and the high school and middle school teacher handbook.
The board next meets 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at the Lebanon Road campus.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
