Slater school board discusses computers, social security issue

New computers, school board elections and social security tax exemption were the topics discussed at the Slater School District Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 18.

School workers' exemption from paying into social security is in flux, with schools asked to redefine the specific positions labeled "teacher" for which payment is exempt, setting July 1, 2009, as the date by which this must be completed. Schools are asking for a one-year extension.

New Dell computers have begun arriving to replace the Gateway units currently in use. They will all be loaded with Windows 2007 before being used. The Gateways will be sent to whichever areas of the district are most in need of newer computers. LCD monitors were also purchased, meaning the school will have an overabundance of CRT monitors. The plan is to find people who need them, and, as a last resort, take unwanted monitors to A&R Computer in Marshall for recycling.

Two board members are up for re-election in April 2009. The board is running advertisements for these available positions in the Slater newspaper. Filing dates for the election are from Dec. 16, 2008 through Jan. 20, 2009.

A "free expression table" was discussed due to a recent lawsuit that alleged a school district created such a table for the express purpose of distributing Bibles. The district involved in the lawsuit lost. Board members were asked to keep this in mind.

Light bulbs throughout the school are being changed to compact fluorescents to save money. About half of the first and second floors have had their bulbs changed, as have the hallways.

The Junior/Senior High School Christmas Program is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

Board members present were Rick Hays, president, Vice President Mike Venable, Secretary Jodi Fuemmeler, Joey Gochenour, Becky Uhlich and Larry Skinner.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net