Hamilton schools trim $190K from budget

Local

HAMILTON — The Hamilton City School District trimmed $190,000 from next year’s budget at Tuesday’s meeting by adjusting the contracts of all of the district’s administrators.

Each administrator — including building principals and central office officials — will have their number of work days reduced by at least five days for the 2011-12 academic year, said Kathy Leist, assistant superintendent for human resources.

In addition, some administrators also have taken a 15 percent pay decrease, and three administrators have been re-assigned to teaching positions.

“We are fortunate to have talented administrators in the district who are providing outstanding leadership during this very challenging time in the history of the school district,” said Superintendent Janet Baker.

Baker also briefed the board on last weekend’s Artrageous program at Garfield Middle School.

“The induction of 10 individuals into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame, followed by a reception held in their honor, certainly was one of the highlights of the day,” Baker said. “In their induction remarks, many acknowledged that they had developed their passion for the arts or referenced the impact a particular teacher had as being instrumental in their success, quite a tribute to what takes place in our school district on a daily basis.”

In other business, the Board of Education:

• Approved field trips for Crawford Woods first-graders to a farm in Wilder, Ky., and for the Hamilton High Show Choir to travel Saturday to Wapakoneta for a competition.

• Approved of a budget for the Teaching American History Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to partner with the Ohio Historical Society, Miami University, Middletown City School District, and Lakota Local School District for the Voices of Liberty program to support improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation for American history through professional development.

• Approved a change order for $61,101 for additional wall and ceiling treatment in the Hamilton High School auditorium.

• Accepted gifts of $100 from Mercy Hospital and $100 from the Benjamin Franklin Masonic Lodge to enhance Fairwood Elementary pre-school with Zoo Outreach programs.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.