Rowe also reported that Jan. 9 will be the date for the school corporation to receive bids for contracted work for West Central’s continuing campus improvement construction projects. Nov. 18 was the deadline for bid drawings to be submitted to Tecton Management of Lafayette, the school’s construction firm.
Also in her report, the superintendent noted:
- West Central hosted a screening of the film, The Addict’s Wake with approximately 30 community members in attendance
- A financial aid night will be held Jan. 13 at the high school
- 3 will be the corporation’s spring count date
- She has been conducting S2S meetings with building principals
During the public comment section of the meeting, a parent expressed concern regarding communication for her child.
The school board recognized Elly Sparks as the WCMS/HS Student of the Month and Zyirus Working as the WCES Student of the Month.
Personnel items
The school board accepted the resignation of instructional assistant Patricia Krauskopf.
Employment was approved for the following:
- Mike Lattimore - Assistant Varsity Softball coach
- Joelyn Flotow - JV Softball Coach
- Kurtis Erb - Volunteer Assistant Coach - softball
- Ben Gudas - Varsity Boys Basketball Volunteer Assistant
- Brandon Stevens - Middle School Wrestling Coach
- Lesli Hansen - Coordinator –CSS
Leave requests were approved for the following:
- Amy Anliker – Nov. 26
- Theresa Shea-Powell – Dec. 17-20
- Brian Pilarski – Out-of-state PD Feb. 7-8, 2025
- Estie Schultz – Dec. 20
- Krystal Gerlach – Nov. 26
Additional action items
The school board approved the 2025-26 school calendar with professional development dates included
Approval was given to the first readings of the school board policies that were presented.
The board voted to approve the West Central Youth Volleyball facilities rental request as presented; along with the West Central Youth Girls Basketball facilities rental request.
The board approved the Nov. 24 Sunday Net Results facilities rental request as presented.
Approval was given for the overnight FFA field trip for one student.
The board voted to approve the TAG (Teacher Appreciation Grant) distribution as presented.
A Sunday performance was approved for the West Central Band/Choir concert Dec. 15.
The board approved the NetResults facilities usage Sunday practices as presented at charge.
Principal reports
Middle/high school principal Mike Carlson shared that all juniors took the ASVAB test early in November. Results came back quickly, and were shared with the students.
Middle school students held their dance with about a third of the students attending.
Eighth graders participated in the Reality Store. This was in partnership with Purdue Extension. There were six sessions with the final one consisting of community volunteers helping as students moved through stations with real-life responsibilities to learn money management skills. A lot of positive feedback was given from students and the volunteers.
Student Council hosted another successful Veteran’s Day Program Nov. 11. Dr. Rowe reiterated Carlson’s accolades regarding the program
Recent professional development time was spent on student writing skills, with focus on the influence of artificial intelligence and how to identify its use, as well as the need to teach how to use it appropriately.
FCCLA put on a dodge ball tournament for the students.
Math and Reading benchmarking is underway, and staff is preparing to wrap up a successful first semester.
Elementary school principal Toni Blaszczyk said the elementary school has been busy with activity.
In November, the student council hosted the Turkey Trot for grades 3-6. Cost was canned food items that were collected to help support the need in the community.
The 12 Days of Dress-up Before Christmas Break for staff and students is underway.
Blaszczyk reported she and Mrs. Clemons have worked with the PTC to create 12 days of planned games and gifts for staff members.
Donuts with an Adult was set for Dec. 6 starting at 7:05 a.m., in the cafeteria.
The elementary Christmas program for grades K-2 will be 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9. The PK Christmas program is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20.
The school has started study tables to help support struggling students with strengthening skills and work completion. Staff is hoping to see more participation in this area.
The school has just started to plan and implement a PBIS Framework, (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) to help alleviate some of the discipline issues. More information will be shared with updates.
Students are currently taking the middle of the year assessments for NWEA and iREADY. The grade level growth results between the beginning of the year and middle of the year will be shared at the January board meeting.
