Triton School Board passes 2021 budget

BOURBON — The Triton School Board met for a regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 12.

Superintendent Jeremy Riffle said the auction to sell memorabilia from the old gym was held on Saturday by Ball auction Service. Riffle indicated that they didn’t expect a large profit, but felt it was important to make sure the community was able to get some of the things they wanted. The gym is now set for demolition on Oct. 21.

Riffle informed the board that a request for wavier of the number of instructional days was sent to the state. according to Riffle, since the school corporation is designated as a Performance school, they have been able to count instruction time by minutes rather than just days. Riffle said a waiver would allow them to make decisions about weather related closings and make up days.

The board passed the 2021 budget on a vote of 5-0. The budget that was passed will now be sent to the state for approval. Riffle said typical cuts at the state level are approximate

ly $400,000.

The collective bargaining agreement with the teachers’ union was approved on a 4-0-1 vote with one board member Steve Stichter recusing himself.

They also approved a contract with The Crossing. wthe Crossing provides instruction for students through alternative credit recovery. Riffle said they had not used The Crossing previously because they would have had to contract for five students; however, they are now able to use the service for even one student. Students enrolled in the alternative program can return to the Triton Schools when approved.

In response to the COVID restrictions that may require children of teachers to be quarantined, the board approved FML (Family Medical Leave) in cases where a teacher has used all of allowed sick days. The cap for the FML benefits is capped at 10 days. Riffle referred to it as a “pro-teacher” recommendation.

The number of students receiving instruction digitally has decreased. The elementary school now has 15 digital students, down from 40. The high school number is now at 27.