At the Monday, July 21, meeting Fowler School Board members were informed the district ended its fiscal year almost $93,000 ahead of the $1,005,017 beginning balance in the general fund in June of 2007.
Financial Secretary, Mike Thomas said, “This has been an excellent year.” Thomas went on to point out how savings in utility costs the district is seeing from the construction of the new school is partly responsible for the positive gains in the budget.

Board president, Jerry Bonds asked what effect rising fuel costs were going to have on next year’s budget and Thomas responded it would hit the district hard.

Superintendent Dr. Larry Vibber agreed it had been a very good year fiscally and attributed the success in part to Thomas, the principals, maintenance staff and transportation department for being budget conscious.

The balance for outstanding lunch bills has been reduced from over $11,000 to a current balance of $5,739.51. A list of 13 unpaid accounts amounting to $4,828.43 is to be published in the Fowler Tribune next week in an effort to recover those debts.

Under personnel matters the resignation of Karen Hazlett from the maintenance department was accepted with thanks for her service at the school. “She has done a nice job and we hate to lose her,” commented Vibber.

The board moved to hire Ruth Denny to fill the vacancy left by Hazlett. The employment of Pat Lowe as a Title I tutor and Crystal Autrey as assistant volleyball coach was also unanimously approved. Autrey is the new third grade teacher in the elementary and her husband was recently hired as the assistant boy’s basketball coach.

Vibber recommended one additional special education aide be hired to accommodate several new students with special needs. In addition Vibber updated the board on another student who will likely be attending the New Horizons Santa Fe BOCES program in La Junta for the 2008-2009 school year.

Elementary principal Steven Grasmick reported summer school, set to end this week, has been successful with 30 students enrolled.

Delivery of the new playground equipment purchased with a Lowe’s grant is expected right away and installation will begin as soon as it arrives.

Vibber reported general summer maintenance projects are going well and are ahead of schedule.

Board member, Suzanne Anarde reported on her meeting with Fowler Preschool and the Colorado Preschool Program. Anarde believes Sherry Harris, director, is doing an excellent job and encouraged Harris to present the board with a short program highlighting her curriculum and how it prepares students to transition into Fowler Elementary.

Thomas ended Monday evening’s meeting thanking the board for being a great group to work with. Thomas attended a meeting recently where divided boards were the topic of one work session and fortunately Fowler has few, if any, of the issues faced by other boards.

Vibber agreed saying, “We are lucky to have a group such as you to work with. We are the envy of many districts.”