The Salem Grade School Board has scheduled an amended budget hearing for June 16 at 6:00 p.m. ahead of the regular June meeting. In discussion with the board on Thursday, superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe said the tentative budget for the current fiscal year shows a deficit of $1,015,165, which is an increase from the $848,752 deficit originally budgeted. Foppe says extra expenses this year have come from increased costs in salaries, insurance, trash pickup, pest control, and HVAC repairs.
Several groups of students were recognized at the board meeting. First were Hawthorn students who reached 100 Accelerated Reading points this year. Third grade students will participate in a spelling bee next Tuesday, and the readers will be awarded certificates at that event. Student athletes at Franklin Park were recognized for their accomplishments this year, including members of the state champion boys’ bowling team, as well as the track and field and golf teams.
The board acknowledged the retirement of Hawthorn assistant principal Melanie Becker and thanked her for nine years of service at the school.
8th grade graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.
In personnel items, the board approved the hiring of Jennings Barnfield as 7th grade Special Education teacher for the 2025-26 school year and accepted the resignation of Levi Quinn as assistant girls’ basketball coach.
