The Perry Community School District Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting last night.

At the meeting, Lloyd and Anne Lane co-trustees John Powell, Mark Powell and Tami Valline spoke to the board about the scholarship opportunities provided by the estate.  The trust will benefit both the Perry and Madrid students, with a total amount of $300,000.  This year, $5,000 will be awarded to roughly twelve or thirteen Perry students, with future scholarships ranging from $5,500 to $7,000 total.

Elementary literacy coach Robin Koskovich then presented information on progress, insights and future plans at the school.  She and two kindergarten teachers talked about what is being done to increase literacy at the elementary level.

Dave Pratt then updated the board on the high school art collection.  He says the art that has been purchased so far is primarily in the office area and the east hallway of the high school.  Pratt has written grants and plans to add more pieces to the gallery in the future.  He wants the board to consider a charter for the future of the collection.  They will review the proposed information and make a decision at a future meeting.

Buildings and grounds director Kevin McLaughlin then provided a brief updates on the high school gym roof project. As discussed at previous meetings, the roof has been leaking since it was installed.  Several companies have inspected the problem and provided ideas on how to alleviate the problem.  The roof did not leak after Sunday evening’s heavy rains, though McLaughin expects the condensation issue to arise again this summer once the weather warms up and the air conditioner is running.  The next repair effort will likely begin once school is adjourned this spring.

Next the board approved revisions to board policies in regards to facility inspection, warning system and emergency plans and asbestos containing material.

The salary roster for the Perry Education Association was then approved, in relation to the master contract that was approved in April at a 4.5 percent increase.

A tentative master contract agreement with the Perry Support Staff Association was also approved.  The negotiated agreement provide step movement per contract and single insurance for staff who are working at least 30 contracted hours a week.  The total cost is an increase of nearly 20 percent due to the addition of insurance.

Contracts for administrators and other employees in the district were then approved at a 4.5 percent increase.  This is the first time these employees have been reviewed since the 10 percent across the board cut in 2009.

2014-2015 fundraisers were then approved, based on a list provided by activities director Tom Lipovac.  While others may be added throughout the year, the board tries to approve the master list annually, before the school year begins.

Industrial Technology teacher and SkillsUSA sponsor Darin Steva was then approved to travel out of state for the national SkillsUSA contest in Kansas City next month.  The trip comes at no cost to the district, as the students fundraise money to cover all costs, except food for the week.

School lunch prices will increase by five cents next year, along with a five cent increase for adult lunch and milk prices.  Summer breakfast and lunch prices will also increase by 50 cents during the 2014-2015 school year.

Finally, the board approved several personnel changes were then approved for hires, transfers and resignations.

For more on the meeting, tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County program when we speak with Superintendent Lynn Ubben during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours.