Bloomfield News Blog

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
By Timberly Ferree Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

Look for cuts coming to a public school near you.

Linton-Stockton Superintendent Ron Bush provided the details for his school during the December monthly meeting of the school board.

“Public schools have been notified by the government of funding cuts,” he said. “It’s never good timing on losing money.”

But, the loss could be $400,000 to $500,000.

“The lost revenue will not be made up. All public schools are going to receive cuts,” Bush said. “I have not been told the cut amount.”

But, the state has recently said that education was not off the chopping block.

“Public education is a very large portion of the general budget,” Bush added. “The board, community and taxpayers will be looking at operating with less money.”

Because of the imminent cuts, Bush reluctantly recommended a change in the contract of the school’s athletic director.

Charlie Karazsia currently serves as the athletic director.

“His (Karazsia’s) two-year contract rolls over automatically if he’s not notified by Jan. 1,” Bush explained. “I think he’s (Karazsia) doing an excellent job.”

This notification has nothing to do with his current contract — which is good through the end of the 2010-11 school year (June 30, 2011). It can still be reviewed on a year-to-year basis.

“I reluctantly ask the board to make this change. It’s not based on his performance. Mr. (Charlie) Karazsia does an excellent job for us,” Bush said.

Board President Frank “Frog” Gennicks agreed.

“I think everyone thinks Charlie does a good job. It’s not his performance. He does an excellent job. … We’re trying to leave a doorway open for flexibility. But, people will talk. There’s going to be rumors.”

Board Member John Preble also noted that the change is not performance related.

“Charlie’s doing a great job,” Preble added.

Board Member Bob Good also agreed.

The recommendation was approved in a 5-0 vote.

In other business, non-certified school employees will not receive a raise in the new year.

“Usually during this (December) meeting we give out raises to those people (non-certified employees),” Bush explained. “I’m reluctantly asking for no raises at this time … but they’re very deserving of a raise.”

The board approved the recommendation in a 5-0 vote.