Correspondent
TROY - Troy’s May 11th school board meeting was opened with a presentation from Superintendent Dr. Eric Stair.
Stair went on to outline Troy’s Summer plan for Learning Loss due to COVID, highlighting several programs. One such was the IReady Math Curriculum that would help students reach their learning path requirements. Stair also discussed hiring an additional Instructional Coach and a Title One math teacher. Stair also hoped to purchase Read180 and Math180 as well as iPads, wifi hotspots, and iPad charging stations to further help students learn through technology.
The board moved on then to the proposed 2021-2022 budget. Several changes were made to the budget from last meeting such as allocating less money to the purchase of an emergency generator for the administration building and eschewing some additional hiring’s.
The budget would also classify the salaries of a new Kindergarten teacher and Title One math teacher under federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency) funding. These changes, combined with a 2.1% real estate tax increase, would leave the district facing a $955,073 budget deficit to be covered with money from the General Fund. The board approved the changes.
The Board passed renewal of a contract with BLAST IU to provide special education services but voted to table hiring an instructional coach.
Also up, the board formally voted to approve a disposal of assets regarding iPads. It was decided, when the district first bought iPads for learning several years ago, that upon graduation the class of 2021 would be gifted the iPads they had used through highschool. The board voted unanimously to approve the giveaway.
In visitor comments, Sean Marren addressed the board regarding the recent discussion of eminent domain revolving around his house. Marren asked that the board keep him in the loop as he was still exploring his legal options and would like to come to an agreement with officials.
Will Harlow also addressed the board. Harlow claimed he had been collecting data and talking with community members regarding the eminent domain. Harlow stated his desire to work with the district, possibly through the Buildings and Grounds Committee, to come to an arrangement between them and Mr. Marren. “We all want what’s best for the kids. We don’t want them to inhale toxic fumes,” Harlow said.
The next Troy Area School District meeting will be Tuesday, June 22, at 6 p.m. The next buildings and grounds committee meeting will be Tuesday, June 1, at 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.troyareasd.org.