The Salem Grade School Board is looking for construction of two new buildings at Hawthorn Grade School as part of their request for ESSER III COVID-19 federal relief money.
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says $4.1-million dollars will be made available under the third round of federal money.
“We can replace the building outside, the modular building. It will be a new building. It will be a 4 classroom building with 2 offices and 2 bathrooms. That wouldn’t be done until summer to not disrupt the kids out there now. Our multi-purpose building that will be in front of Hawthorn will be a gym area so the kids can have recess in there. That way if there is inclimate weather they aren’t stuck in their classroom but they can go there and get that time and break they need from the classroom.”
Foppe says work on that building can begin as soon as they get final approval of their grant request.
The grant program requires $756,000 to be set aside for learning loss recovery during the COVID-19 period. The district is still working on what that program will include. The board was told both the Hawthorn and Franklin Park libraries are back in normal operation this year. Books no longer have to be cleaned before they can be checked out to another student.
The yearly audit had no findings and had $3.1 million in surplus funds. The district’s financial profile score fell to 3.35 on the 4-point scale due to the issuance of additional bonds for school improvement projects. The cost of educating a student last school year was placed at $10,866.
Foppe reported Durham Transportation has hired one additional driver which has helped with the transportation problems, but at least one more driver is needed. She once again thanked Salem Community High School for their assistance on the special education route.
The board acted on a number of personnel issues. The resignation of custodian Dennis Albert was accepted. Andrew Baldridge was hired as a full time custodian. Susan Salliotte was hired as a part time cook and Lori Pokojski as a full time cook. Brogan Gregg was hired as a part-time student helper.
Foppe reports they are currently short two custodians and encouraged those interested in the jobs to apply with the school district.
