At their meeting Monday evening, the South Hamilton school board approved its 2023 fiscal year budget. The maximum authorized budget of $8,782.136 with a tax rate of $13.53 per thousand taxable valuation, There was no objection during a public hearing for next year’s school budget. Board members approved no changes in the district fees for the 2022-23 school year. The fees will remain the same as this school year. A budget amendment was approved for adding $75,000 for support services due to derecho repairs. with the amendment hearing set for May 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Teacher Leadership Positions were approved for South Hamilton. The list includes school improvement coordinator, instructional coach, K-6 special education director, grade 7 through 12 special education director, collaboration lead and mentors for students. The state goals for the teacher leadership program funds are to retain effective teachers by providing enhanced career opportunities,promote collaboration by developing and supporting opportunities for teachers in schools and school districts statewide to learn from each other,reward professional growth and effective teaching by providing pathways for careeer opportunities that come with increased leadership responsibilities and involve increased compensation and to improve student achievement by strengthening instruction.
The South Hamilton board approved the purchase of an upgraded HUDL packace using SAVE (School Audio Visual Equipment) funds with an annual fee of $10,000 for the next three years. The package includes HUDLassist for professionally analyzed stats and live stream cameras for the high school gym and football field. Events in the gym and football field will begin to be live streamed free of charge to the public..
The summer school plan for South Hamilton was approved. Summer school will take place on 14 dates in June from 8 until 11 a.m. Wages were set at $30 per hour for teachers and $20 per hour for associates. ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds will be used for summer school costs.
An offer of $600 each to two buses slated for disposition was accepted by the board.
The South Hamilton board accepted resignations from high school science teacher Ali Engels, ninth grade girls basketball coach Kara Sloan, ELA teacher and large group and individual speech instructor Jocelynn Hommes, bus driver Doug Carlson, fifth through 12th grade vocal music teacher and Hamilton Holidays fall play director Matthew Harper and head wrestling coach Dan Brodie. The board approved the hiring of Emily Krstulic as middle school and high school counselor.