The July Green Board of Education meeting delved into school finances, welcomed new staff, new purchases were approved, and a possible way to save on natural gas was discussed.

Cindy Brown, the new associate principal, presented a new orientation program outline for incoming freshmen that will take place on Aug. 26. Orientation details are online at www.greenlocalschools.org. The orientation is mandatory for freshman. The rest of the students will start on Aug. 27.

Treasurer Roy Swartz presented a report on the state of school finances as projected over the next five years. Basically, the schools are in adequate financial shape up through the end of the 2009 school year. After that, unless new revenues are brought in, the school system will face mounting debt and a depletion of the reserve fund. Swartz attributed this in part to the drop in property values, an increase in medical and utilities, and a fixed amount of funding from the state.

Superintendent Dr. Wade Lucas addressed these problems in his report and said several options were available to alleviate this situation. These included open enrollment, staff and program cuts, new partnership programs with various organizations and agencies, and additional operating levies. Swartz did indicate there needs to be a serious evaluation done in the next eight or nine months to find a solution to the potential budget deficit.

Swartz discussed a possible means to save money on the delivery rate of gas from East Ohio Gas by Victor Artese. Artese would investigate ways to lower the rate. In payment he would take 50 percent of the savings for the first two years, if successful. If he is unable to garner savings, he would not charge the school anything. The board, while generally in favor of the plan, tabled it in order to get more information before making a commitment.

The board also approved the resignation of Mary Lou Lassiter from Kleckner after 36 years with Green. They approved the hiring of Kevin Finefrock as the new high school assistant principal. Finefrock will replace Jeff Wells. Wells moved to the middle school as an assistant, replacing Jeff Miller. Miller is now principal at Green Middle School. Brian Reed resigned to accept a job a Lake Middle School.

The board welcomed new teachers, Michael Smith and Lisa Armelie, to the high school staff.

Approval was granted for the Safe School Helpline, a free 800 telephone service to confidentially report any potential threatening situations to the school. The Board also approved the collaboration with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual learning Academy to provide alternative educational options for students.

Approval was granted for the summer school physical education course of study, and a contract with Summa for athletic training service.

Five acres of land adjacent to the school was purchased for $205,000. 

The next board meeting is Aug. 18 at 6:30 in Room 128 at Green High School.

 Editor’s note: Dr. Lucas presented a "State of the Schools" report. He highlighted the main events over the last year, since his hiring. A complete report of his discussion is online at www.TheSuburbanite.com and in the July 20 edition of the paper.