Attorney recognized at SR meeting
Pictured from left are Superintendent Rob Moorhead, Attorney Merritt Alcorn, his wife Carolyn Alcorn, and SR Board President Andy Comer.
Attorney Merritt Alcorn was recognized for his 40 plus years of service to the South Ripley Community School Corporation at the regular December meeting. Superintendent Rob Moorhead noted, “We are really going to miss Merritt,” as he thanked him for all he has done for the school. Alcorn said it was a “real privilege and honor to serve South Ripley.” He said he had witnessed a lot of changes through the years and was very proud to serve the corporation.
Supt. Moorhead informed the Board that an anonymous donor recently paid for the negative lunch accounts for all three buildings that totaled $3,680.00. “This donation is a very generous gesture on behalf of this family, who wishes to remain anonymous,” he noted.
Under Personnel:
Tessia Andrews was approved for the position of Preschool Coordinator. Brittany Downey was approved for the Title 1 Instructional Assistant for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. Phyllis Hull was approved to be the High Ability Academic Coach for the elementary. This is a temporary position for four days per week seven hours per day.
The SRJHS Extra Curricular Club/Committee Additions met with approval as submitted by Principal Melanie Evans. These new ECA assignments were added as part of the new Teacher Master Agreement. The SRHS Extra Curricular Club/Committee Additions were also approved.
Hannah Speer was approved as the additional STEM Committee Member.
The FMLA request leave for Melanie Gable was approved.
The resignation of Lisa Gilpin from her ECA position of Varsity Volleyball Coach was approved. Supt. Moorhead extended thanks to Ms. Gilpin on the successful volleyball program.
The retirement of Wanda Bales from her position in the elementary cafeteria was approved.
Trips approved:
Supt. Moorhead recommended approval of the Intensive Academic classroom students of Lainey Bahr and Ashley Landwehr to attend an overnight field trip to Perfect North Slopes, and Camp High Ground to participate in Special Olympic Winter Games January 11-13. This was approved.
The approval of coaches and the high school Varsity boys’ basketball team to attend the Holiday Tournament in Jasper on Jan 2 and 3, was given.
In other business:
Decatur County WorkWell Occupational Health was approved to serve as the new designated facility for workers comp injuries, DDL bus driver physicals, and pre-employment drug screens for bus drivers. It was noted that is due to Margaret Mary Health no longer operating their facility as of January 1, 2026.
Approval was given for the Resolution to Transfer Money to the Rainy-Day Fund from Operations Fund ($120,000) for Severance and Retirement Obligations for all staff.
Business Manager Lana Miller was approved to continue paying 2025 bills from 2025 appropriations through the end of 2025 and to encumber appropriations, if necessary, for bills created in 2025 and payable in 2026.
Approval was given for the Southeastern Career Center’s Resolution of adding a new member school, Madison Consolidated School Corporation. The resolution approving the Second Amended and Restated Operation Agreement revision was part of this action item as well.
Supt. Moorhead informed the Board that the tax draw was received on December 5, 2025, in the amount of $1,934,496.84. This represents a 99.56%-108.98% draw of property taxes and license excise tax.
Business Manager Miller presented the 2026 Certified Budgets explaining the Education Fund reduction was due to a decrease in students. The tax rate reduction was due to the Debt Service Fund.
Insurance renewal for 2026 property liability, workers compensation and vehicle insurance has a 1.5% premium increase.
The next meeting of the South Ripley Board of Trustees will be January 12 for the annual board reorganization.
Board members at the December meeting were Andy Comer, Amy Miller, Justin Sturgeon, Brittany Bradley, Jim Jolly and Thomas Welch. Board member Rachel Lawhorn was absent.
Editor’s Note: Information for the above article was taken from unofficial minutes from the December regular meeting.
