Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman reported that he has been studying the pros/cons of the "trimester" student schedule vs. the more traditional semester student schedule. The trimester schedule at Winamac began with the 1996-1997 school year and has been used ever since. 

He noted that the trimester is helpful because students are in each class longer, fields trips can be taken during a class period without interfering with other classes, and students can receive in-class help with homework, among many other benefits. 

However, the Indiana Department of Education sets state student assessment time lines which are not compatible with the trimester. Because of assessment accountability for students, teachers, administrators, and the fact that school is becoming more and more rigorous, moving from the trimester to the semester student schedule would be a better fit for student learning and accountability, Dr. Klitzman said.

He has met with several different groups to receive input on the pros/cons of the switch, with positive comments for switching.  A decision will be reached at the February board meeting.

In other business, the school board held its annual reorganization. Mike Tetzloff was elected president, Chris Schramm was elected vice president, and Joyce Heater was elected secretary.  Board compensation was set at the same level as last year, $2,000, the legal limit.

David Thompson was re-appointed corporation treasurer with Diana Lowry re-appointed as deputy treasurer.  Bonds were also set for various positions. Winamac attorney Tim Murray was appointed as the school board attorney.

The board approved the advertised fiscal year budget, capital projects plan and resolution, bus replacement plan and resolution, and the neutrality resolution — the next step in the budget approval process.  Authorization was also given for Dr. Klitzman to modify the budget at the upcoming state hearing, if necessary.

Dr. Klitzman stated that the state legislative session from a few years ago requires schools to compile a financial plan to shift funds from overhead and operations–type accounts to instructional and academic–type accounts. The goals were approved as presented and will be submitted to the department of education.

The following donations were accepted as presented:

• Some alumni from the Class of 2006 donated approximately $700 in miscellaneous art supplies, including two air brushes, to the middle/high school art department.
• The Galbreath Family (Don Galbreath, Dee Galbreath, Steve, Galbreath, Vickie Galbreath) and Dan Tankersley have started a fund with the school to purchase a new grand piano for the middle/high school music program. The approximate cost of the piano is $40,000. The fund has a beginning balance of $21,000, with more fund raising to be done by the Galbreaths and Music Boosters.
• On behalf of the Linda Braun Foundation (Todd, Drew, and Brent Braun, and Melissa Braun Dennis), a donation of $22,000 has been received to be used at the elementary school to enhance its technology capacity for all students.   

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that Snowcoming activities are taking place with a pep session Friday and a dance to follow the game. The high school guidance department is hosting a Financial Aid Night on Jan. 12, and orientation for incoming freshmen will be Jan. 23. The “Ripple Effect” Software Program, through LAJSSC, is being implemented to help students better cope with issues outside of school so they can be more successful in school. Eight students, along with sponsor Barb Behnke, will go to the Regional Junior Science Symposium on March 8.

On behalf of elementary school principal Jill Collins, Dr. Klitzman reported that the elementary school will hold its annual Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Program on Jan. 18, beginning at 12:30 p.m.  Community members will read to elementary school students during this time. The 90th day of school was Jan. 6. Midyear assessments are taking place at this time. On Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., a preschool parent meeting will take place to give parents helpful hints for their students to transition from preschool to kindergarten.

Middle school counselor John King reported that middle school is a transition time for many students. In helping students to prepare for and transition to high school, he meets with all middle school students; last year 70 percent of parents came to this important one-on-one meeting. Dr. Gordon and King are the sponsors of the National Junior Honor Society. The group has and continues to sponsor many activities: campus clean up, dances, nursing home visits, leadership workshops, “Pennies for Patients” and a food drive.

Dr. Klitzman also reported on the following:

• Over Christmas break four more classrooms were switched from pneumatic to digital controls, with more to be done over spring break; several chalkboards were converted to whiteboards at the elementary school; and the middle school and high school gym floors had their annual re-surfacing done. 
• The elementary school has earned the distinction of a 4-Star School by being in the  top 25% of all schools in the state at every grade level in language arts and math, language arts and math combined,  and also meeting No Child Left Behind criteria. 
• The legislature is in session, so please follow this session and contact your representatives with questions/comments. 

Elementary school teacher Dana Field was approved for a maternity leave beginning after spring break and continuing to the end of the school year.

The EPCS board has the responsibility of making an appointment to the Pulaski County Public Library Board. Jacob Schmicker was approved for the position.

Qualifying high school wrestlers were approved to spend the night at Merrillville for semi-state and Indianapolis for state competition.  

The condition-of-funds statement indicated that all accounts have positive balances. The general fund comparison statement indicated that 60.86 percent of the yearly appropriation remained. The appropriation is in line with past years; however, there is less money.

Board Comment: The elementary school was commended for its 4-star distinction, the generous donations were commended, and Larry Beach was commended as school board president, along with the middle school students who sang the National Anthem. King was commended for his report, along with the students going to the science symposium, and Mr. DeLorenzo and the custodians. Keeping the lines of communication open with state representatives was discussed. The Paul Baker family was offered condolences. 

The next school board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, in the Distance Learning Lab.