Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman emphasized again that school funding is directly tied to enrollment - if enrollment drops, funding drops. The first of two official count dates (ADM) is Sept. 14.

In other business, the school board approved the purchase of a specific-type computer for the school system's technology infrastructure which runs the anti-virus system and maintains the firewall. The board was told the current computer is six years old, obsolete and no replacement parts or support are available for it. The new computer unit will cost $1,925 which includes a $1,000 discount because the school is a current customer of the vendor.The purchase comes through the capital projects fund, where it was anticipated and budgeted, and includes the yearly license fee.

As discussed at the previous meeting, the board approved Klitzman's recommendation to modify the school board policy sections regarding the evaluation procedures for the superintendent and teachers. This was made necessary by changes in state statutes.

The board learned that four donations had been made to the EPCS "Helping Hands" program which helps students in need pay for a portion of their book rental, after-school child care and/or lunches. The donors were the Good Samaritan/Ladies of Charity, Pulaski County 4-H, Connie Jones, and Mr and Mrs. Steve Morrison, who were thanked by the board. A donation to the program can be made to a specific or anonymous student at any time of the year.

The textbook selection committee (for reading/handwriting materials) was approved as presented. Elementary principal Jill Collins will chair the study/selection committee. Committee members are teachers Jackie Kiser, Barb Neal, Barb Knarr, Cathleen Cunningham, Susie Schultz, Janis Miller, Lynn Darda and Becky Despot; and parents Peggy Hall, Sarah Schooler and Michelle Browning.

In his report, Klitzman said all schools are administering fall assessments at this time. The assessments will establish a benchmark for teachers to know where students are, so instruction may be differentiated toward student needs.

He also noted the Indiana School Boards Association will hold its regional meeting in Plymouth on Oct. 24.

The superintendent also reported that parent/teacher conferences have once again been implemented into the school calendar. They will be held on Sept. 24 - all day at the elementary school, and a half-day at the middle/high school (with the second half of the day devoted to professional development).

The annual Veterans Day program will be held on Nov. 9, at 8:30 a.m., at the elementary school; and 9:30 a.m., at the middle/high school.

During principal reports, Mrs. Collins reported that Family Literacy Night will be Sept. 20 with a "Camp Out" theme. The event will feature pitched tents and, story reading, plus s'mores prepared by head cook Mrs. DeLorenzo. It was also reported that Dr. Jennifer Gudas will donate her time on Sept. 19 to give kindergarten eye exams. Also, Donuts with Dad, hosted by the PTA, will be Oct. 5.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that he has begun using the RISE evaluation instrument with the Own-It software program. He also noted that teacher Dr. Darlene Gordon has taken the lead on working to help pool multiple pieces of data together for all grade levels. He said that NWEA and ONSLOT assessments are being used to help teachers gather data to drive instruction. Also, Kim Foerg was commended for coordinating middle school picture day on Sept. 6.

High School principal Rick DeFries encouraged parents to use the Harmony student management system to stay in contact with the school. He also reported that science teacher David Ralstin is once again taking science students on the River Rafting learning project. In remembrance of 9/11, a convocation was scheduled and presented by social studies teacher Kevin Zupin. Also, to honor the armed services a special recognition will take place at the Sept. 21 football game.

The board approved an overnight trip for the FFA to attend the national convention in Indianapolis Oct. 24-26.

During board comment, the board commended the Helping Hands donors, the drama department's dinner show, the textbook committee, the PTA, and Dr. Gudas.

The next school board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8, in the distance learning lab at the school.