JASONVILLE -- The MSD of Shakamak Board of School Trustees was given a report from Performance Services Thursday evening on the condition of the building.

The report focused mainly on the aging roof and heating/cooling system.

An estimate on repairing or replacing the problems was also submitted.

Superintendent CG Epple noted that if any repairs were ordered, the roofing issue would be the first priority.

Continuing with business, Epps reported that water backed up in a classroom during the recent flood leaving sand in the room and creating mold.

"Linton is bringing over sand removal equipment," Epple explained. "We will also blast out the lines and run a camera to see if we can find the breaks. In the meantime, the teacher and students have been moved to another room."

Reporting on grants, Epple said the school received the math grant and there would be a project director for the system and six teachers would be participating.

Epple added that he is looking forward to working with the alcohol and drug grant that also provides for a social worker.

In other announcements, Epple said a concrete pad would have to be installed where the boiler lines were repaired; there would be a budget hearing Thursday, Sept. 4; the Coalmont School auction would be at 4 p.m., Sept. 12; the boiler line installation is complete and ready to go, and the tentative student count is 490 in elementary and 411 in grades 7-12.

Reporting for Jr. /Sr. High School Principal Vanessa Hodge, Assistant Principal Brent Anderson thanked the custodial staff for working hard preparing for the school opening.

He said the reading comprehension program would continue.

Anderson announced the first volleyball game would be Aug. 19 at Bloomfield, and the first cross country meet is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Anderson also said he appreciated the hard work the staff had done in preparing for the school's opening.

Elementary Principal Mike Mogan reported that he met with the staff on Tuesday and much was accomplished.

"I have been busy meeting parents and staff," noted Mogan. "I watched the little kindergarten children come to school with parents and grandparents. Some of the children didn't want to stay, and I liked the way the teachers handled the situation."

Mogan said he would be meeting with teachers in grades four, five and six to discuss the ISTEP test, and his goal throughout the year is to visit each room every day.

During patron comments, a parent said he didn't agree that some sports are used as a dumping ground for students who disobey rules.

"If a student breaks the rules," the patron said, "make him (the student) sit out in the sport he participated in. Let's not use other sports for a dumping ground."

In answer to the parent's complaint, board member Brian Stockrahm said the board didn't make that (dumping ground) rule.

Board member John Gambil also said he didn't believe in the dumping ground technique. He wished Mogan a successful year.

In his remarks, board member James Yeryar said "the school looks good."

In other business, the board:

* Accepted the resignation of Scott Rash, maintenance; Elizabeth Wernz, science teacher, and Matt Johnson high school instruction assistant.

* Hired Vonda Snellenberger, Mala Moody, Jennifer Fields, Stacy Samm and Holly Crane as elementary aides; Kirk Buckley, Paige Wolf, Toni Smith and Marsha Snellenberger as high school aides; Robin Huff to serve as student counselor; Matt Fougerousse as baseball coach and Kirk Buckley as golf coach; part time custodians, Sheryle Burger, Julie Wollam, Jim Faught and Erin Coleman.

* Approved NEOLA Policy updates, participation in the School Improvement Grant as funded and the ECA financial reports for school year 2007-2008.

* Voted to shift appropriations from bus replacement fund to pension bond fund; to use a portion of bus replacement fun for partial payment of contracted bus drivers and payment of bills.

* Approved change in athletic entrance fees.