Larry Mayberry was named the Italy School District’s first Employee of the Month at the monthly school board meeting held Monday, Sept. 22.

Superintendent Jimmie Malone said Mayberry, in his 12th year at the district, would do anything you ask him to do. Malone said Mayberry, who grew up in Itasca, is one of the district employees that are always available. “He’s solved a lot of problems with one-on-one conversations.” Malone added, “There’s not much he hasn’t done.”

Malone told the school board recently that he planned to initiate Employee of the Month awards that would recognize any of the 102 staff members. “This award is for those staff members that bleed gold and white when you cut them,” Malone concluded. Malone presented Mayberry with a plastic red apple and a gift card to Wal-Mart.

From the public

A parent addressed the board asking them to look at the student’s academic record before deciding punishment regarding a recent incident at the school. She indicated her child made good grades and has never been in trouble before. She asked for a fair chance for her child.

Administration Reports

Carolyn Maevers, principal, said Stafford Elementary will host its first annual art show on Monday, Sept. 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Parents are invited to visit the individual classrooms to view the various art projects. At the same time, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the tax rollback election. Voting hours on that day will be extended from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stafford Gym.

Scott Herald, junior high/high school principal, said the National Junior High Honor Society induction is slated for Oct. 14. He added that volleyball and football games are underway. He said a Homecoming parade is set for downtown. The district will also honor classes from previous decades during this year’s Homecoming festivities.

Pam Luttrull, special programs director, said the district has 44 English as a Second Language (ESL) students and 65 special education students.

Kevin Witte, technology director, said the district now has a new website. He reported the school’s network system is antiquated and causes network congestion.

Witte has found return/lease programs that allows the school district to purchase computers at a cost of $275 each. Full warranty is $25 per year per unit.

Financial Reports

Laurice Marshall, business manager, reported that the district has received 97.32% of projected revenues or $5.82 million and expended 88.89% of the budget or $5.2 million for the 2007/2008 school year. She indicated that the state has been overpaying the district but said they have not spent it. He said the district would not receive final numbers from the state until November. Marshall projected that the district will put between $200,000 and $250,000 into the fund balance.

Current student enrollment is 626 with a refined average daily attendance at 603.85. There are 341 students enrolled at Stafford Elementary and 285 students enrolled on the junior high/high school campus.

The board opened sealed bids for the district’s 1995 Ford Taurus. Malone said the Kelly Blue Book value for a vehicle in excellent condition is $1592. This vehicle, however, was in fair condition. Blue Book value is $410. The district received only one bid from Speed Hamby for $1,500. The board approved the bid.

The board also approved selling the district’s 1990 pickup in a public auction. Malone said the pickup has no engine and no seat. A minimum bid of $500 was set.

Malone said the district has added a 2009 Chevrolet Impala to its fleet.

The board also approved continuing property/casualty/liability/fleet insurance with TASB. Insurance cost for the 2007/2008 school year was $42,790. This year’s cost is $39,150. Malone said the premium rates decreased while asset values increased.

The board took no action following an executive session concerning personnel.

The next meeting for the Italy School Board is set for Monday, Oct. 20.