West Central School Board approves reduction-in-force recommendation

In other business, the school board approved a two-year maintenance agreement with Power Wind for the new wind turbine. In a related matter Superintendent Charles Mellon shared with the board a drawing that was developed by NIPSCO showing which new turbine connection equipment is owned by the corporation, and and that the school has the responsibility of maintaining.

Approval was given to add a “Sustainable Energy Alternatives” class to the high school curriculum, effective for the 2012-13 school year. This will be a dual credit course with Ivy Tech.

The board approved a contract with Indiana Testing, as presented. Indiana Testing is the company that the school works with to perform the drug and alcohol testing on the corporation’s bus drivers.

Mellon reported that a search is underway for substitute school bus drivers. Interested applicants should contact the central office for information on upcoming training sessions at neighboring school corporations.

The board approved the resignation of science teacher John Wasinski as presented, effective at the end of the school year. He joined the school corporation in August, at the start of the school year.

Approval was given to the maternity leave request from Megan Jungels, as presented.

The board approved the following transfer requests, as presented:

1. Bryce Kappes – transfer to high school special education teacher
2. Kellis Gutwein – transfer to third grade teacher

The school board also approved the following conference requests, as presented:

1. Marcia Kennedy, Linda Ferguson, Joanne Stevens to attend the Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida. All expenses will be paid by the Indian Trails Career Center.
2. Bryan Heimlich, Gina Hierlmeier, Kevin Wenzel, Bryce Kappes and Darren Rodriguez to attend the IBCA conference in Indianapolis. All expenses will be paid by the athletic department

The board approved the high school play dates for the 2012-13 school year. Performances will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6; and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7.

Middle/high school principal Don Street informed the board that this is the year for Career and Technical book adoption. He also reported that parent volunteers have been helping middle school students gear up for ISTEP testing.

Elementary school principal Tony Brose stated that remediation continues for those students who will be retaking the IREAD test this summer. Sessions are being held after school and will continue for 10 days this summer. He also reported that “Muffins With Mom” will be held next week. Plus, ISTEP testing begins Monday, April 30.