Salem Community High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering told the school board Monday night the $2.5-million renovation of the kitchen and cafeteria should be completed by the first day of school August 17th.
He says all the equipment and materials are at the school so it’s just a matter of completing the work.
“I think things can shape up quick. As soon as we get the flooring poured because the new tables and chairs are here onsite already so as soon as the floor is poured in the cafeteria then the cafeteria is ready to go. We will get the floor poured in the kitchen, which is the first part of the project, that way they can start installing the range, dishwashers, convection oven and things like that.”
The project included asbestos abatement in the kitchen which will result in a new ceiling and lighting. The outdoor cooler and freezer has been replaced with one twice its side. The area will also be repainted. Detering says most of the old kitchen equipment has been sold and the old tables and chairs in the cafeteria donated to other schools or civic organizations.
Detering says about 30-percent of the students have completed online registration for the coming school year. Students and their parents are reminded the deadline for registration is July 31st. Students who do not complete registration by that date will be contacted by the school office. There is no need to come to the school for registration, unless it is for photos to be taken on designated days.
Detering presented the quarterly financial report for the final quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year. He said the district had $8-million in revenue and spent $7.5-million.
“A budget that was in the black, our fund balances the Ed Fund and Building Fund were both surplus budgets. That included being able to do that and being able to pay cash for some of the projects last year and the sale of bonds. So we’ve got projects continually going on and still being able to keep the fund balances in the black.”
In personnel news, the board employed Matt Pokojski as part-time work-based learning teacher and Kay Thomas as a bus driver for the coming school year.
In public comment, parent William East complained about the current waiver policy for semester exams. East felt it was unfair that only A and B students received a waiver and not C students who could see their grade drop to a D or F based on how they do on the semester exam. Detering told East the comment would be considered by the curriculum committee.
