SVE talks EAV, state money

SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley Elementary School Board learned this week state officials did pony up money for the district’s transportation fund. The state is behind in payments for several accounts but is slowly catching up.

The transportation fund sits currently at $65,000, and Superintendent Jim Hermes hopes the state will continue catching up on funding.

“It isn’t going to hold us over for the rest of the year,” Hermes said at Wednesday’s school board meeting.

The district’s equalized assessed valuation dropped to expected levels, now that a dispute between the not-for-profit status on St. Margaret’s Health has been resolved. The hospital lost its not-for-profit status, which meant that it could be taxed, but administration disputed the finding and went to court to get its status back.

“We’re back to our original levy,” Hermes said.

The district’s tax levy jumped from $2.1 million in 2010 to $2.6 million because of the St. Margaret’s decision and the Walmart distribution center going on the tax books. The board expected the St. Margaret’s status to be reversed and any money gained from the hospital was going to go into an escrow account.

In other business:

• Board members heard a presentation about the use of iPad apps for special education. They include Songify, an app that puts a musical beat to teacher instruction, and iBook creator that allows children to make their own books and share it with friends and on iTunes. Spring Valley has embraced the iPad as a learning tool.

• The board approved the facility needs survey for the district. It is a wish list of needed improvements to both Lincoln and John F. Kennedy schools. Common repairs included new intercom systems, urinals and faucets, floor tile replacement and sidewalk repair.

• Board members approved the 2012-2013 district calendar.

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