South Central School Superintendent Kerry Herdes told the school board Wednesday night their budget is in great shape with all funds being strong. He noted it’s been a long time since their finances have been in such good shape. When presenting the tentative budget that is now available for review, Herdes said they are looking at an overall $400,000 surplus.
Herdes reviewed the district’s threat assessment plan. He reports the Kinmundy and Farina Police Departments and Marion and Fayette County Sheriff’s Departments have agreed to continue to be the district’s School Resource Officers. Herdes says they assisted with the plan and have been invited to stop by the schools as much as possible. He reports the plan also concentrates on keeping doors locked.
“With a K-12 district we got everything from a 3 year old to an 18 year old. And just making sure we are cognizant of not propping doors open. Trying to remain vigilant on that. Our doors remain locked all the time, they are never not locked. If you have that as our security measure and want to continue that. Just taking a few minutes to make sure we have someone attending the door, and not just have it propped open.”
Herdes says they are also conducting some drills.
“We have some drill works where we, as other schools have, some live gunfire in the building so the staff knows what it is like. Drills like keeping intruders out of the classroom. So just refreshing all of that will be an emphasis for us.”
Herdes is also emphasizing for anyone who hears about a threat to the schools to contact the school or law enforcement so it can be investigated.
Thursday is the first day of School at South Central. Enrollment is up to 670 students district wide. The high school is starting up 15 students to 225. There will be two foreign exchange students. There will be 147 middle school students, up 11. The elementary building is starting at 298 students, up about 20.
