School board turns down tower offer

Local News

September 14, 2008

By Patsy Cincotta - Staff writer

The Centerville School Board decided to vote against an agreement with Farmers Cellular Telephone Company which sought a lease agreement for a tower at the bus barn.

Superintendent Rich Turner said he had received some comments from people in the neighborhood who are against the proposal and since the project would not involve education, the board turned down the offer.

In personnel matters, the board approved resignations from Karen Richmond (bus aide) and Connie VanBlaricom (breakfast room aide). Richmond transferred to special education aide at Lakeview.

Jean Smothers transferred from the cafeteria to building and grounds.

Contracts were approved for Ricki Brammer, special education aide for Garfield; Rebecca Stewart, aide specific in Early Childhood; Rich Gander for assistant volleyball coach; Brock Carson for special education aide at Lakeview; Erin Reed half-time elementary teacher; Carol Heffron, half-time elementary teacher; Carl Zotz, custodian at preschool; Wayne Farris, custodian at Mystic; Don Casteel, summer custodian; Jackie Kelly, change from half-time contract to 72.08 percent; and Chris Conrad for junior high cross country coach.

Teacher mentoring was approved again this year. First year teachers Elizabeth Gaskins and Erin Reed are being mentored by Joan Mobley and Beverly Sciesinski; second year teachers Michelle Busch and Tatum Marcussen are being mentored by Jeri Bradley and Rhonda Raskie.

Three administrators will be mentoring others in the area: Bruce Karpen will mentor the new middle school principal in Ottumwa; Bill Messerole will mentor the alternative school principal in Mt. Pleasant; and Turner will mentor the new superintendent in Keokuk.

Turner announced the educator quality funding will be split equally this year for all staff. He said the CEA has agreed to the distribution.