The Decatur County Community Schools Board of Education met on Wednesday.
The board approved the Special Education Legislative Summit conference for Jason Holland. The board approved the resignations of Nate Canfield-North Decatur, Emily Baltus-South Decatur, and Misti Burchett-North Decatur. The board approved the retirement of Theresa Crain- Bus Driver. The board approved the appointments of Jason Hacker- South Decatur Basketball, Val Stephen-North Decatur, Zach Luttel-South Decatur, Tyler Johnson-North Decatur, and Mary Rogers-North Decatur. The following are the approved summer custodial help for North Decatur: Taylor Bohman, Barbara McIntosh, and Crystal Hoover. The following are the approved summer custodial help for South Decatur: Amanda Reatherford and Kaityln Woodhull. The following are the approved summer educational assistants for South Decatur: Kathy Taylor and Wendy Kopplin. The following are the approved summer technology help: Ryken Winchester, Sheila Skinner, Cathy Pitmann, Chase Kalli, Olivia Krieger, and Brayden Lee. The following is the approved bus cleaning help: Erin Shafer, Lynn Pennington, Brayden Yeager, Kamdenn McKinney, and Carter Gray.
The board held a discussion for the public to discuss the tax increases. John Derheimer appreciates what the board does scholastically and in regards to the looks of the schools, however didn’t expect the tax hit. They wish they could’ve received a warning of some sort as their taxes went up 32%. Barb Herbert had property taxes that had a 28% increase. They believe that as a taxpayer they deserve a detailed list of what the $20 million the school spent on electric and plumbing went towards. Walt Herbert believes in the county schools and what they do, however the cost of living and raising costs of everything else have become extreme. They believe that Decatur County is becoming one of the highest taxed counties in the state and are worried that they’ll get so far into debt that people won’t want to come to Decatur County. They know that the board does not control the tax set up, but still believes it needs to be checked. Bob Kirby has lived here for 23 years and knows that taxes go up but fears this is extreme. Kenny Rennekamp knows that things wear out and that the schools are getting over, however would like to know why a few years ago they spend money on the “watchtowers” that were added for seemingly no reason. Aaron Hatton thanked the board for what they do. However, their house is only 5 years old and their taxes have gone up 51%. Jim Moore knows that inflation is driving this increase as it is with everything, but there has to be a limit set in place of what can be spent. The board understands everyone’s concerns and frustrations and will try to get answers even if they are not ones they want to hear. The board did not spend $20 million on the schools but rather $18.2 million which all went toward upkeep of the building. This included ripping out old wires and pipes and completely replacing them and what was covering them. The current project happening for the schools is a tax neutral project, meaning there will be no tax rate increase. However 2023 will see a 4 cent increase that then will drop below what they see now for the next 10 years.
The board approved the return to learn plan. The board approved all donations totaling in $8,050. The board approved the disposal of obsolete equipment. The board approved all student fundraisers.
Morgan Schofield
WTRE News
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