HHS graduation date set, budget proposed for 2010-11

The school board approved moving Hayesville High School’s graduation date from June 4 to June 11 on Monday night.

“I think the snow’s over, so we set a graduation date,” Superintendent Scott Penland said. “I think we’re safe.”

June 11 is one day past the mandatory last day of school according to North Carolina state law, but the board has the authority to overrule in the case of inclement weather, Penland said.

Penland said he was reconsidering the two proposed Clay County Schools calendars for 2010-2011 and the board approved both plans for the time being until an official decision is made on moving up the start of the school year.

“I feel pretty good about the calendar,” Penland said, noting that spring break had to stay on a consistent week across both proposed calendars to match with other local school systems for athletic reasons.

The school board also reviewed the General Fund Revenue Report & Economic Outlook provided by the North carolina general Assembly.

Penland said it was good news that the downward trends of economy-based taxes had flattened out, but the report said that “there are very few signs an upturn can be expected anytime soon.”

Prolonged weaknesses in the economy mean that consumer spending is down, the report stated, noting that the dismal employment outlook is projected to extend far into the year.

In addition, consumers are choosing to pay off debt rather than increase debt.

“That’s bad for short term economy but good for the longterm economy,” Penland said, adding that the only option was to “ride out the storm.”

Job conditions in both North Carolina and across the nation, however, show “few signs of improving,” the report continued.

Penland pointed to a news article stating that about 600 teachers have recently been laid off in just the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system, in addition to pay cuts across the board for assistant principals.

“It’s not looking too good right now,” he said. “I wish I had some better news on the budget, but I’ve got to report what I’ve got.”

Penland said that so far, the 2009-2010 school year has been fine, despite the crunch.

“We made the necessary adjustments,” he said. “We’re still able to continue most things we’ve been doing. We’ve got a few less teachers, but it’s all worked out.”

A proposed budget for the 2010-2011 school year was unveiled, but is yet to be approved by the county, Penland said.

The largest expense cuts come from salaries, a decrease of $95,000. In addition, money for supplies was cut by $1,000. Maintenance and telephone budgets also saw severe cuts.

Planned expenses included $5,000 for new HHS banners, $65,000 for technology upgrades, $1,000 for additional speed bumps, $25,000 for additional paved parking for HHS, $8,000 for high school and middle school security cameras, and $35,000 for storage buildings.

• The expense “wish list” also included $225,000 for replacing the bleachers at the football stadium. “Engineers told us they’re not going to last forever,” Penland said.

• $18,000 is allotted to placing security cameras on every bus, Penland said. The devices are only in four busses, currently.

• An influx of kindergarden registrations may prompt the purchase of an additional mobile unit, he said.

• Penland also reviewed preschool information with the board. He said that parents who submit an application for their child after April 30 would be added to a waiting list. He noted that the licensed program has received five stars, the highest rating possible to achieve. First grade and kindergarden teachers can notice the difference, he said.

• Student Emmalee Stillwell was released to Cherokee County Schools.