Superintendent Charles Mellon reviewed the 2012 budget. The board voted to close the 2012 budget, as presented. Mellon also presented financial information to the board as last year’s budget is closed out and the 2013 budget began on Jan. 1. The board approved the transfer of funds to close out the 2012 school year, as presented.

The board members and Mellon also discussed school security The board was informed of a county-wide effort being developed through the county sheriff’s department.

The board voted to adopt the 125 plan with American Fidelity, as presented.

The board approved employment for the following: Robin Dietrich as teacher during Joy Schlatter’s maternity leave; Stacie Carr as special needs teacher, Michelle Dickey and Kyle Evans as instructional assistants; and Carmen Garlach on a temporary contract for the cafeteria.

A family medical leave request for Betty Williams was approved, as requested.

Conference requests were approved for:

• Brian Pilarski and Mike Lattimore to attend the SoftballCon Conference in Louisville, Kentucky – all expenses to be paid by the athletic department.
• Alexander Warren to attend the IMEA Conference in Fort Wayne.
• Rebecca Reed to attend the IATCC Track Conference in Indianapolis – all expenses to be paid by the athletic department.

Under report items, elementary school principal Dan Zylstra updated the board on a few activities taking place in the school. Students will begin the Accelerated Reading Program this month. The staff will  present a reading textbook to the board for adoption at the next meeting. Staff development this week was spent reviewing the RISE evaluation rubric.

Middle/high school principal Don Street informed the board that Brett Sheldon would meet with individual classes on Friday, Jan. 11. “Kicking The Odds” is the story of Brett Sheldon, a young man born with a birth defect that left him with short arms. He talks about growing up, learning to overcome the obstacles and preconceptions of others, and how he excelled in athletics and in life. Sheldon gained fame as a high school football kicker who broke his school's kicking record. He also received other accolades and awards for his roles in various sports. Then he moved on to college football, first playing for Franklin College. He then sat out of the game while attending Purdue University. After a year away from football, Sheldon received national attention as a walk-on for Indiana State University's football team.

Street also reported on upcoming events at the middle/high school: Snowcoming is this weekend with a dance after the basketball games on Saturday, Jan. 12. The senior Financial Aid meeting will be Monday, Jan. 14. The West Central Educational Foundation Dinner will be Friday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The school board honored, with certificates, the following “Students of the Month:” Natalie Sutton from the elementary school level, Abigail Davis from the middle school level and Staci Bakondi from the high school level.