School board postpones next bond initiative vote
Dec. 9, 2008
The Springfield school board agreed Dec. 9 to postpone a public vote on the next bond initiative until late next year at the earliest and perhaps beyond that.
Most board members said they opposed a proposed April 2009 vote because of continuing troubles with the economy and because the City of Springfield is asking voters to approve a one-cent sales tax increase in February.
Some board members expressed concern that postponing the bond vote could derail momentum that’s been established for completing capital construction projects such as air conditioning in all district schools.
But several board members said losing an election in April would be more detrimental to that momentum.
Superintendent Norm Ridder said his staff will bring the bond issue back to the board for review in April.
In other board meeting action:
* District officials informed the board they will submit a Request for Proposals (RFP) for contract management of the transportation department.
Historically, the district has maintained its own transportation director. But officials have been unable to find a qualified leader to run the bus operation since its last director left in June. Since that time, the district has outsourced management of the department.
The RFP will allow the district to compare the performance and costs of outside management to those inherent with in-house management. Officials emphasized the RFP does not signal a commitment to outsourcing transportation services, but simply an examination of that option.
* The board approved the following three amendments to the district health plan:
- Participants can be reimbursed for fitness center memberships through the wellness benefit.
- The district will clarify the acceptable providers of naturopathic medicine and chiropractic services.
- The district will reduce by $102 a month the amount employees pay if they are enrolled in the family premium health plan.
* The board authorized the district to contract with St. John’s New Directions to provide an employee assistance plan that addresses employees’ mental health needs.
* The board adopted a resolution for the district to reimburse itself $7.75 million from proceeds of tax-exempt lease-purchase financing for construction of the new Hickory Hills School. The initial amount to be reimbursed was $1 million. It was increased after the original construction timeline changed. The district has been funding construction from operating funds.
* The board heard an evaluation summary of the district’s Gifted Education Program. The program was developed 30 years ago to meet the needs of gifted students.
* The board received an annual review of district School Improvement Plans. The board requires the review to assure the district achieves its goals. A copy of each School Improvement Plan is available in the superintendent’s office.