Old FSMS building sale closing date postponed again

The Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education approved another extension on the closing date of the sale of the old middle school building, 412 S. National Ave., during its regular meeting on Monday.

Romeo Comeau, who agreed to purchase the building, was scheduled to finally close the deal on Friday of last week following several extensions. However, USD 234 Business Manager Alan Drake said Comeau was not able to close and a request was made to move the closing date to Jan. 26.

The board approved the extension with the condition that the $7,000 in escrow money currently held by Othick Abstract Company be released to the school district. Securing that money would help avoid legal action should Comeau not close on Jan. 26 and void the newly-extended contract, Drake said.

Drake said Comeau agreed to purchase the building for about $74,000 and has thus far paid, not including the $7,000 held by Othick, around $13,000 on the principle, another $1,868 of interest money and $2,045 for half of what the district would pay on the closing date. The total remaining on the purchase is $54,455, Drake said.

Also on Monday, the board recognized and congratulated Eugene Ware Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Jeff Pommier who recently received the 2007 Kansas Horizon Award, an honor that recognizes exemplary first-year teachers in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.

"I think congratulations are definitely in order," board President Matt Ida said. "We're glad that you are part of our district and thank you for all that you do."

The board also approved the Winfield Scott Elementary School-wide Title I plan, fund raising requests and extended trip requests. The board also reviewed building and property values for the 2007 calendar year.

Also on the Monday, the board took the following action:

* Approved an auditing contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, with local CPA firm Diehl, Banwart and Bolton.

* Heard a report from Fort Scott High School Assistant Principal Todd Ferguson on the district's participation in the state's teacher mentoring program.

* In employment matters, the board approved the employment of Bo Graham as FSHS assistant wrestling coach, approved a request for maternity leave of absence for Amanda Cook, Fort Scott Middle School and Eugene Ware psychologist, approved an early retirement request from longtime district Business Manager Alan Drake, effective July 1 and approved a retirement request from bus driver John Harris, effective Jan. 3.

The board closed the meeting with an executive session to discuss other personnel matters.