NA schools wrapping up year, $8.5-million renovation project

Improvements at all the city school campuses, funded by an $8.5 million bond issue from the previous year, are finally wrapping up.

The last part, renovation at New Albany High School is nearing completion with the installation of new windows, Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans told trustees at their board meeting this past week. About all that remains is the security system and completing the punch list, he said.

Major components included a new roof at the elementary school and replacement of heating and air conditioning units as well as beefing up safety and security features.

“It’s all starting to get to the end,” Evans said. “We’re moving ahead and excited about finishing up.”

With the adoption of a return to school plan during the meeting, officials are concluding the past year’s session and working on the upcoming fall.

As is usually the case at this time of year, several personnel changes were addressed.

They include:

• The resignation of Buddy Hall as assistant football coach, New Albany High School
• Naming Jake McDonald as assistant football coach, New Albany High School
• Naming Allen Ball as assistant basketball coach, New Albany High School
• Naming Allie Catt as teacher, New Albany High School, pending approval of MDE certification
• Naming Jonathon Garrison as teacher, Career and Technical School, pending approval of MDE certification
• Naming Matt Tyer as teacher, New Albany Middle School
• Naming Mattie Mills as teacher assistant, New Albany Middle School
• Naming Emily Garrett as teacher, New Albany Elementary School
• Naming Jessica Stacks as receptions and clerk at the central office
• Approving all classified staffs at the schools, in transportation, maintenance and central office.

In financial business, Director of Accounting Services Suzanne Coffey reported that the district continues to be in good shape. The district had collected 92 percent of its expected tax revenue. She added that two more months remain to be collected and it should be no problem to get the budgeted $136,000.

Expenditures were at 83 percent for the year, but she pointed out that some end-of-year expenses remain.

Coffey also reported that the district has been able to pay off a 2008 construction note that a two-mill levy had been designated for. A resolution passed by the board allows the schools to keep the levy at no additional cost to taxpayers for future use.

The school board approved going ahead and seeking proposals to replace school iPads. Evans said the district can use CARES funds from the state given as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Utilizing that money now should get the schools better prices rather than waiting until later when there is more competition.

In information items, trustees were told that elementary teacher Sarah Garrett is being transferred to become media specialist at the middle school. Also, NASTUC teacher Elke Lipsey is being to teach at the career and technical school. Since these are transfers rather than new employment, no board vote was needed.

In other business they approved routine business and handbooks for certified teachers, classified employees and the student handbook.

The next scheduled meeting of the school board will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. At this time the board plans to meet in person in the boardroom of the central office rather than through teleconferencing.

Before adjourning, the board met in executive session concerning a personnel issue. No action was reported.