Under the legislation being considered, West Central’s estimated revenue impact is a projected $89,300 cut in funds for calendar year 2026; up to a $139,200 drop in 2027; and up to a $161,400 drop in 2028.
The superintendent also reported on the following:
- She presented information on the pool renovations and hiring an SRO (school resource officer). More information will be collected and shared with board members in the upcoming months.
- She provided an update on ADM (Average Daily Members, or attendance) numbers. In the fall, the district’s ADM was 624.09 and its most recent student count is 609.97 or 14.12 less students.
- The June 2025 board meeting date will be changed from June 5 to June 12.
In other business, the school board recognized Jeremiah Bailor as the West Central Elementary School student of the month, and Maddox Gutwein as the West Central Middle/High School student of the month.
During public comment, Josh and Shannon Scott shared concerns with the board regarding athletics and events that have transpired in recent months. Later in the meeting, board member Kyle McTeigue asked that the administration review Mr. and Mrs. Scott’s claims and review with the board at a later time.
Personnel items
The board approved the resignation of school nurse Andrea Campbell.
Approval was given to the employment of the following, as presented:
- Michelle Biggs - 1st Grade Maternity leave for Samantha Heims
- Candace Lytle - 2nd Grade Maternity leave for Michaela Shively
- Jordan Danford - 8th grade girls basketball coach
- Phil Leman - 7th grade girls basketball coach
- Bradley Warner - Volunteer Assistant Middle School Wrestling Coach
Action items
The school board approved the bus rental request submitted by Lifewise, as presented.
The board voted to acknowledge receipt of the funding floor memo from IDOE (Indiana Department of Education) dated Jan. 3, 2025.
Approval was given to the Feb. 23, Sunday facilities usage request for the West Central Youth League, as presented.
The board approved the West Central FCCLA state convention overnight scheduled for Feb. 27-29, in Muncie.
Approval was voted for the West Central 2026-27 school calendar, as presented.
Principal reports
Middle/high school principal Mike Carlson shared that the first two E Learning days went well for the middle/high school. There were no major issues.
FAFSA night was held last month, and Freshman Orientation had to be delayed a week due to the weather and school cancellation.
Work has started on next year’s schedule now that student preferences have been entered.
Congratulations to Chloe Auxier for making it to the State Finals in Girls Wrestling. Also, five boys are moving on to Regionals this weekend in Wrestling. The Girl’s Basketball team won their first game in sectionals. Winter sports have had very good seasons.
AP classes will be giving the Mock Exams soon, and WIDA testing is wrapping up. Mid-year data is in.
Checkpoint 2 is finished, and the 7th and 8th grade are showing bright spots. Math is consistently higher for both groups. NWEA and iReady data show similar results. Students are stronger in math, both in meeting growth targets and being on grade level. Reading on grade level is just slightly below math, but fewer are meeting their growth targets. AP
Mock Exams will be given soon. These are to help prepare students for the test at the end of the year.
Mrs. Kennedy is finishing with WIDA testing. Mrs. Clemons worked on academic and behavior incentives for each nine weeks for the high school to do something similar as the middle school. The principal wishes to recognize them for all their work, too.
Ice cream sundaes are planned for this nine-weeks, and a larger activity is planned for the end of the year.
