Local News – Monday, August 21st, 2017

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their tax rate hearing Thursday evening at 5:50 with only the Salem R-80 Board of Education, building principals and assistant principals and the media present. Superintendent John McColloch explained the tax rates and with reassessment, the operating tax levy came in at $2.40 per $100 assessed valuation, but the state minimum operating tax levy for schools is $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation. McColloch also explained the debt service rate and that the school could raise the rate to $0.70 per $100 assessed valuation, but McCulloch stated the voters voted in a tax rate of $0.45 per $100 assessed valuation and that the school is able to pay back their debt with that tax rate. Superintendent McColloch recommended a continuation of the $2.75 operating levy and a $0.45 debt service levy for a total tax rate of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation for the district. The regular R-80 board meeting followed with Superintendent McColloch stating the start of school got off to a smooth start with the exception of getting all the bus routes right, but he said that should all be corrected by early next week. Assistant Superintendent John Smith reported that 17 new teachers attended the New Tiger Training on August 10th and 11th led by Tina McKee and Christy Leathers. He said this was an exceptional group with a mix of experienced teachers along some new to the profession. McColloch said the MSBA Annual Conference will be held October 5th through the 8th at Tan-Tar-A and he said for the first time since he has been superintendent, all the board members have signed up to attend. McColloch also said there is some structural problems with the William Lynch Elementary Building with the large bricks above the windows becoming loose. He said a structural engineer will be at William Lynch next week to assess the brick situation. Each building principal gave their report. Kriste Crocker said enrollment at William Lynch was comprised of 70 pre-kindergarten children, 86 kindergarteners and 90 first graders for a total of 246 children. Principal Melanie Wisdom of the Upper Elementary School said as of Friday, they had 35 new students enrolled and 17 current students transfer to other districts. Principal Scott Roberts of the Middle School said enrollment at the middle school currently stands at 217 students. Roberts stated 16 students dropped while 19 new students were added. The student breakdown is 71 sixth graders, 66 seventh graders and 80 eighth graders. High School Principal Marty Anderson reported the current enrollment at the high school is 602 students but that will probably go down a couple of students in the first couple of weeks. The board approved the 2016-2017 Annual Secretary of the Board Report that showed a combined fund balance from Funds 1 and 2 of $3,033,033.29 and Fund 4 for capital projects at $1,471,902.65. McColloch said the cost for educating a student at Salem R-80 is $8,297.52 while the statewide average is approximately $11,000. The board also approved the 2017 tax rate of $2.75 operating levy and $0.45 debt service levy for a total of $3.20 per $100 assessed valuation. The rate is the same as last year. The board went into closed session where they employed Karen Pace for high school math and also Lynette Beeson as an assistant band director. The meeting was then adjourned.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. A number of bids will be reviewed including three bids to replace the current repeater antenna and cable for the Salem Police Department, the state bid for two police vehicles, and two bids for a used John Deere 410L backhoe loader. Proposals for residential solid waste and recycling for the city will be reviewed and discussed before a contract is awarded. Mayor Brad Nash will call for a Public Hearing in order to have open discussion on setting the property tax rate for the City of Salem for 2017. After the consent agenda, the board will hear City Administrator Ray Walden’s report that will include discussion on a old middle school consultant agreement, a fundraising project for the Salem City Auditorium and a CDL differential request. Walden’s report will be followed by Mayor Nash’s report. In the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, Bill #3340, an ordinance levying property tax for 2017, will be read. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 in the city hall council chambers and the meeting is open to the public.

A number of events will be held Monday for those who want to watch the solar eclipse. An Eclipse Party will be at the Bonebrake Center from 11:00-2:30. Glasses will be available and Moon pies will be served. Bring your lawn chairs and lunch if you would like. An Eclipse Watch will be held at Echo Bluff State Park at the Bluff Top Pavilion from 11:30-3:00. Telescopes and glasses will be available along with “eclipse mix” to eat! Also, The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be hosting a solar eclipse viewing event at Alley Spring from 11:30-2:45. A partial solar eclipse will be visible during the entire event, with the peak eclipse occurring at 1:00. Call 573-226-3945 for more information.