Public hearing held before approval of CHS tax levy rate

A Public Hearing for setting the CHS tax levy rate drew no comments. The hearing was held before the regular California R-I School Board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19. Superintendent Dwight Sanders commented that the assessed valuation of the district had changed very little, going from $85,284,146 to $86,077,265. The total tax rate recommended was $3.9066 per each $100 of assessed valuation. The rate breaks down to $2.9310 for the operating levy and $0.9756 for the debt service levy. The debt service levy remains the same as last year. The operating levy is down slightly, from $2.980. As a result, the total tax levy rate is $0.0070 lower than last year.

Shortly after the official board meeting opened, members present reviewed the information and approved the tax rate levy unanimously.

The board accepted the resignation of Jack Lake, Middle School Behavioral Specialist, Football Coach and Track Coach. The board approved the milk bid from Central Dairy, which remained much the same as last year. Also approved was the bread bid from Ellis Bakery, prices unchanged.

Elementary School Principal Daniel Williams reported the current enrollment at 609, an increase of seven from the same time last year. He reported the school had reopened for the teachers and staff after summer cleaning. An open house on Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, was well attended and successful in assisting the new students to be able to find their way around. This was sponsored by the California United Methodist Church. A cookie dough fundraiser is coming up soon. Williams also mentioned that a grant had been received from Monsanto, with more information to be announced later.

Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported 284 students enrolled, down from 308 at the same time last year. A starting enrollment of about 290 was expected. Attendance at open registration was the highest seen recently, at more than 95 percent. There have been improvements and updates to the outside of the building. The mulch has been replaced with decorative rock bordered by metal edging, which should not wash away in heavy rain. A block retaining wall to one side of the front door was rebuilt. It had given way. The 3MT assisted in much of this updating in the landscaping around the building and the Kiwanis donation made much of it possible. Kiwanis funding also is paying for the new hand railing to be installed at the entrance in the near future. An Aurora Foundation donation purchased four courtyard benches, to be placed on either side of the archway between the middle and elementary schools.The English department now has a mobile lab in each classroom, providing web-based school opportunities. The science teachers attended special training to become familiar with the tools, features and resources available on the new Chromebooks.

High School Principal Sean Kirksey reported 429 students enrolled. The PLC (Professional Leadership Community) Leadership Team will be expanding with additional members. Discussions at recent meetings included 2015-16 district goals, the NEE (Network for Education Effectiveness) teacher evaluation process, professional development plans and plans for tracking learning for all the CHS students. Kirksey commented that his transition to the principal's position in California has been effective and successful.

The next regular board meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 16.