School energy work funded Oct. 28, 2009 The Antigo school board added some dollars for energy efficiency projects and formally approved the 2009-10 budget and tax levy Tuesday.
On a unanimous vote, the board inked the spending plan that calls for an overall levy of $9,030,213, an increase of 9.16 percent. Approval was unanimous. Absent were Gary Kieper, Dr. Gary Hegranes and Joe Kretz.
The board approved the $28.5 million spending plan in August, but had to finalize action and certify the levy this month, after state aid, enrollment and equalized valuation numbers were known.
The revised budget calls for a general fund levy of $7,987,433, community service fund levy of $320,000 and debt service of $622,780,
Also included is $100,000 in tax dollars for several projects to increase energy efficiency. The extra dollars fall outside of state spending limits under a two-year program approved by the legislature earlier this year.
Those projects include automation of fieldhouse and hallway lighting at the high school, $10,500; replacement of light fixtures at the Middle School, $23,500; and installation of an energy management system at the Middle School, $72,000.
The resolution also indicated the estimated annual energy savings for each project. The highlighting work will pay for itself in under five years with the energy management system figured with a payback of under 10 years.
The total levy will require a tax rate of $8.31 per $1,000 of equalized valuation, a 7.92 percent increase over the 2000-09 levy of $7.70.
In other business, the board reviewed an ongoing discussion of district goals with Director of Instruction Cindy Fischer.
Concentration over the next three years will focus on reading and math improvements, transitions between grade levels, achievement gaps in testing, parent-community partnerships, technology and attendance.
The board approved DLR Group’s plan for a comprehensive study of the proposed biomass pilot project, which could potentially heat the high school and aquatic center with wood waste. The district is in line for a series of grants and no-interest loans to fund the work but has delayed any final action until it is determined if the potential cost savings are enough to cover debt payments.
DLR will be paid $23,000, contingent on funding, for the study.
The board also inked its annual agreement with the Antigo Hockey Association for use of the multi-purpose building ice, and approved policies on student progress reports to parents and family and medical leave.
Hirings included Maria Hockert as a science teacher at the Middle School; Barbara Baginski as a part-time housekeeper; and Connie Peterka as a special education instructional assistant.
Matthew James Howard presented a comprehensive report on his involvement in the PARTNERS Alternative High School program held at Northcentral Technical College.
Using a Power Point presentation, Howard walked the board through how the program has met his educational needs and prepared him for the workforce. He also discussed the various skills he has attained and volunteer experiences.
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