Southwest Board sets 2012 tax levy

In August, members of the Southwest R-5 School Board set the 2012 tax levy at $2.75 for the operational levy and 85 cents for the debt service levy for a total of $3.60.

That rate will generate approximately $1,215,103 for the 2012-13 school year based on the combined assessed valuations of $33,752,862 from Barry and McDonald counties.

New teachers were introduced to the board. They include: Bakhytgul Strange, middle school special education; Gary Brown, middle school special education; Kelly McNabb-Wiltgen, Title I reading; Ann Odenbrett, third grade; Barbara Randall, first grade; Sheri Epling, eighth grade science and ecology; Teresa Alverson, sixth grade; Linda Morgan, middle and high school communication arts; Jillayne Chancellor, high school social studies, psychology and contemporary issues; Karen Huffman, high school geometry; Jennifer Thornton, high school biology and chemistry; and Brad Phillips, high school physical education and weights.

In other business, board members:

* Approved hiring David Griffin as a substitute bus driver and Richard Wilbanks as a bus driver contingent on all requirements being met.

* Approved a milk bid from Hiland Dairy.

* Reviewed administrative reports and first week enrollment figures for the 2012-13 academic year.