Hillman contemplating bus purchase, co-op sports teams
Crystal NelsonMembers of the Hillman Community Schools Board of Education have a couple of issues to consider that may require future action. Although action won't be necessary until future meetings, the board heard reports about paying off the district's most recently purchased bus and a proposal that would allow a sports co-op between Atlanta Community Schools and Fairview Area Schools.
SuperintendentJack Richards said the board could look at paying off the district's newest school bus, which was purchased in 2007.
The district owes about $40,150 on the bus and has three annual payments remaining but could save almost $2,000 in interest if it were able to pay it off this year. However, the decision could have an impact on cash flow.
"Our basic recommendation because we did talk about it ... depending if cash flow is good come May or June to recommend paying it off in June," he said.
Richards and Business Manager Jill Olsen will have to wait until June to make a recommendation to the board.
Also, discussed during Monday's board meeting was the sports co-op Atlanta and Fairview schools are seeking. Atlanta is considering eliminating the track program and Fairview doesn't have a football team. In order to do so, the co-op has to have a vote from schools who are a part of the North Star League.
"What they are asking to do is do a co-op where any Fairview student that wanted to participate in football would be able to go to Atlanta to play football and then in the spring anybody from Atlanta that wanted to run track could go to Fairview and be part of their track (team) in the exchange program," Richards said.
He said what it means for Hillman is the best athletes are going to participate in the co-op and the issue becomes whether it will put them in a dominating position.
Atlanta and Fairview are looking to see whether Hillman, as a member of the league, would support the co-op and the board has until April to reach its decision.
In other business, the board will discuss the where the citizens comment portion of the meeting should be placed on its agenda during an April 7 workshop beginning at 7 p.m.
Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.
