Bus route changes to be made for second half of year
MELINDA STARKEY PHOTO
Milan seniors Maddie Schmidt and Ben Hartwell told the board about their experiences as interns with Margaret Mary Health. The internships are part of the Milan Works program directed by Kyle Flynn, Milan High School social studies teacher.
A request was approved during the December 16 meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees to make changes to the bus routes for the second semester. According to Mike Brandes, Director of Operations, this will be necessary due to a medical leave of absence. The changes include combining students on routes two and three to one route. Buses one, four, seven, eight and thirteen will pick up the few remaining students. Brandes assured the board that all routes are equipped to handle the change and will not cause any undue hardship on any families. Those affected by this change will be notified. Brandes noted the three factors that were taken into consideration when revising the route included student accommodation, no student being on the bus for longer than 45 minutes each way, and bus capacity.
New business included the approval of the Authorization Resolution, which authorizes the corporation treasurer, Gretchen Berger, to continue paying the 2019 bills from the 2019 appropriations through the end of the year, to encumber appropriations for bills created in 2019 and payable in 2020, and to complete the transfer of appropriations from major accounts to balance out the 2019 year. All transfers from major accounts will be explained and a request for approval made at the January 2020 board meeting. A motion was also approved to transfer $85,000 on a monthly basis from the education fund to the operations fund, for funds not allocated to student instruction and learning for the calendar year period of 2020.
Continuing with new business, the resolution for participation in the Southeastern Career Center was approved. The new resolution is required due to Madison Consolidated Schools withdrawing from the Career Center. According to Superintendent Jane Rogers, Milan schools recognize the benefits of sharing facilities and services to provide occupational, career and technical training to students. Board members, along with Rogers, discussed the impact of the cost with Madison withdrawing. This cannot be determined until each local school board continuing in the program approves the resolution. The Career Center then takes this to the state level and cost is determined. However, Rogers stated that Director Marshall from the Career Center is currently researching and at this time anticipates no negative impact.
Milan seniors Maddie Schmidt and Ben Hartwell presented to the board on their experiences in their first semester internships at Margaret Mary Health. The internships are part of the Milan Works Program directed by Kyle Flynn, social studies teacher. Both Schmidt and Hartwell relayed they had a great experience and were able to observe multiple departments within the hospital. Hartwell, who is considering pursuing the field of genetics in his future endeavors enjoyed the lab the most. Schmidt, also looking into the field of health, enjoyed working in the labor and delivery area. She is considering specializing in neonatal care upon graduation.
In matters of personnel, the board approved a medical leave of absence beginning January 6, requested by Jeanne Greive, custodian at the elementary school. It was also approved to hire Donna Ertel to fill the cafeteria manager position for the high school, middle school, and intermediate school.
The next regular meeting of the Milan Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. Please note this is a change from the third Monday of the month to the second Monday due to the timing of mandated state regulations. This will also be a reorganization meeting.
