The superintendent also reported that a federal government civil rights report was recently completed by Dr. himself and Peach Roth, taking approximately 40 hours to complete. The very detailed report gathers statistics such as ethnicity, classes taken, and students in sports, and many other items.
Klitzman noted state education is experiencing a change relative to the state superintendent and a new governor and many other elected officials. Similarly Eastern Pulaski Schools will welcome three new school board members in January. The three outgoing school board members were thanked - Cathy Fritz, Joyce Heater, and Chris Schramm. Dr. Klitzman thanked them for their service and each received a plaque.
Donations to the school's Helping Hands Program were accepted as submitted from from Sharon Hendryx, Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Crystal Sanders, and the Rosemary Weaver family. The donors were commended for their generosity.
Under report items, elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that Acuity testing is almost complete for third, fourth and fifth grades. Dibels testing will take place after Christmas Break for kindergarten, first and second grade students. Teachers Mrs. Despot and Mrs. Dowling and the instructional assistants were commended for helping with the test, thus protecting instructional time. Staff development on Jan. 11 will focus on the Reading textbook adoption.. The Express Choir Christmas concert will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13, in the socialtorium. The kindergarten, first and second grade Christmas program will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19.
Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that eighth grade students traveled to the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw to see “Oliver.” The middle school band/choir Christmas program was Dec. 4. The second round of Acuity testing is completed and students are showing improvement - students and staff feel remediation is beneficial.
High school principal Rick DeFries reported that re-testing for End-of-Course Assessments is taking place - remediation during first semester went well and is helpful. The high school has an "Angel Tree" where students can take an angel to help needy families during the holiday season. The high school band/choir Christmas concert was Dec. 10. Earlier this month, the drama department staged its fall play, "Uh Oh, Here Comes Christmas." Director Patrick Schuttrow and the students were commended. DeFries also reported all winter sports programs are underway and doing well.
Also in other business, the Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all school corporation funds had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement showed that 66.83% of the yearly appropriation remained - on track with past years. All claims were approved as presented.
High school teacher Sandi DeSabatine was approved for a maternity leave, beginning the end of January or the first of February.
Middle/high school head cook Lenora Hoover was approved for a non-paid special leave.
Charles Rude, interim director of the Kewanna Union Township Library Board, recommended Beverly Ton be re-appointed to that board for a third term. The recommendation was approved as submitted.
The Shakespeare (Saturday) Class was approved to take an out-of-state field trip to Navy Pier, Chicago, on Saturday, March 2, to view a Shakespeare production.
To open the school board meeting, middle school student Byron Cole sang a song he performed at the recent Christmas program.
During board comment, the following commendations were offered: Incoming and outgoing board members, the play, Byron Cole and donations.
The next school board meeting will begin at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 14, in the Distance Learning Lab.
