The stipend has been made possible due to the increase in enrollment of students for calendar year 2012, resulting in the school corporation receiving an increase in funding from the state.

However, Klitzman pointed out, this increase was strictly based on enrollment for 2012; and since enrollment has now dropped, this will be reflected in a decrease in funding for calendar year 2013.

In related business, Klitzman noted that EPCS is operating on a fiscal year budget and thus must go through the budget process at this time. A work session was held prior to the regular meeting to discuss the budget and all of its components. The levies approved for advertisement will be estimated and necessarily inflated to ensure the state tax board has room to make cuts once the assessed value and other accurate numbers are received from the state. Approval was given to advertise the 2013-14 budget and levies, and to set the public hearing for Dec. 10.

In other action items, the “condition of funds” statement indicated all corporation funds had positive balances. The general fund comparison statement showed 75.25% of the yearly appropriation remaining. All claims were approved as presented.

Approval was given to purchase two 78-passenger school buses from Midwest Transit Equipment from Kankakee, Illinois, and one 14-passenger utility bus from Kerlin Bus Sales of Silver Lake, Indiana.

Tony Carroll was approved as the new head baseball coach. Carroll has playing experience at the college level as well as coaching experience at the high school and minor league level. He has also been an umpire. Carroll said he wants to maintain the good things the team is doing, and move forward and improve.

The proposed work to the roof of a storage building at the bus garage complex was tabled to gather quotes to  replace the storage building. The proposal to replace the overhead door to the main facility was approved at presented.

School Board Policy Section 511 “High School Graduation Requirements” and Section 500 “Immunization Requirements” were approved as presented.

Under report items, Dr. Klitzman reported  on the following:

• Accountability - the school corporation received outstanding scores - three A’s (Elementary School, High School and Corporation) and a B (Middle School). The scores are based on proficiency and growth. “The schools are only as good as the data and we are doing an outstanding job,” Klitzman said.
• Special Education Study - The co-op is conducting a study to evaluate the special education program - students, staff, and funding. Funds are received from the state, but not enough to cover all costs.
• Indiana School Boards Association regional meeting - The trend is to give public education money to private schools, thus privatizing education. Klitzman explained this leaves less money for public schools, not a good trend.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported the annual Veterans’ Day program was Friday, Nov. 9. The veterans in attendance were introduced individually by a relative student, if one was in attendance. Winamac police chief Mike Buchanan (Army veteran) gave an address and the Express Choir performed as part of the tribute. The annual food drive concluded last week with 2,171 items collected. The Kiwanis Club generously donated dictionaries to every third grade student - the club has done this for the past few years. The  Family Fitness Turkey Trot will be on Nov. 17. The annual Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the PTA, will be Dec. 1. Four students have been selected to the All State Choir: Faith Pratt, Hailey Sanders, Jenna Sanders and Payton Johnston.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the Veterans’ Day Program was also on Nov. 9 with a performance by the band and a solo by student Byron Cole. Sergeant Matt Garbison offered some comments and Taylor Smith sang the national anthem. The program ended with the playing of “Echoing Taps.” The software for the RISE evaluation instrument was commended. The National Honor Society inducted 25 new members on Oct. 22. The Spell Bowl team finished sixth at state competition at Purdue. The WKVI Spotlight this week highlighted the Penny Wars competition- proceeds went to the Payton Manning Children’s Hospital. The football team was commended for its recent sectional win. At regional competition Lafayette Central Catholic was commended for its respect/demeanor during the game.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that representatives from the community are teaming with Junior Achievement to present students with career options. Dr. Hollenberg is presenting character development to students once a week. Eighth grade is going to the Wagon Wheel Theater to see “Oliver” on Dec. 6. The recent food drive was successful and students and staff helped to raise money for the Fulmer Family. 

In recognition of Veterans’ Day, Mike Buchanan delivered the recitation he presented at the elementary school’s Veterans’ Day program Nov. 9. 

During the school board comment period: National Honor Society, Spell Bowl, Penny Wars, PTA, excellent scores, new board members, athletics, Veterans’ Day Programs, Accountability, All State Choir, Kiwanis, American Legion, and the VFW and auxiliaries were all commended for their contribution to various student learning opportunities. Board members agree “we have a great community and school system.”

During the public comment period: Jim Fleury commended our school for all the positive achievements.

The next school board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 10, in the Distance Learning Lab.