The EPC School Board met in its regular monthly meeting Monday, July 14 at Lepanto. A highlight of the meeting came when superintendent Micky Pierce announced that the 2007-2008 ending financial balance of $1.6 million was $200,000. higher than the 2006-2007 school year ending financials of $1.4 million.

"We ended very strong this year and getting revenues that we didn't anticipate helped," said Pierce who added that he hoped to take the difference and put it in a building fund.

In other financial issues, the board approved raises of $800. for all certified personnel and $400. for certified employees.

"Our school spent more money this year than last, but we had more money coming in this time around." said Pierce. "If the revenues continue the way they have been in the past then it would be nice if it were a Christmas bonus."

The school also received funding from the National School Lunch Association (NSLA) to spend on 12 different school areas. A requirement of the funding, however, is that all of the money has to be spent.

Melinda Hannah, therefore, suggested that a certified curriculum coordinator be hired for a period of 3 years for Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Hannah went on to explain that the coordinator's job would be to benefit the teachers as well as the students and coaches at the school. The rest of the funding could go toward materials and supplies or technologies needed in whatever area in the school.

In additional business:

* the consideration for new buses was narrowed down to three bids: a 2009 Caterpillar bus at just over $72,000; a 2009 Cummings bus at just over $70,000; and a 2009 Diamond State bus at $69,545. The board then approved the Diamond State bid voting to pay for it on a revolving loan basis.

Pierce added during the voting process that the bus drivers all wanted conventional buses as opposed to the flat-nosed type.

"It's just too rough on the drivers and it will shake you pretty hard," he said.

* Opened bids for the old school truck and the John Deere lawn mower were answered with a set of bids from Roland Smith who bid $125 for the lawn mower and $175 for truck. The board members accepted these bids.

* Accepted the resignations of Debbie Coffman, Emily Taylor, Canessa Chase Taylor, Robin Hunter and Casey Todd.

*Approved minutes

*Approved financial statements