Klitzman said that among these bills is one which continues with and enhances the voucher program - the program that allows parents to enroll their students in non-public (private) schools using state funds, which takes funds away from public schools.  He explained that private schools do not have all the mandates, rules, and guidelines public schools have.

A bill to fund preschool has been introduced. Klitzman observed that full day kindergarten is not fully funded, "so how can preschool be funded?"

Other bills introduced cover such issues as prayer in school, cursive writing, the start/end of the school year, common core standards, expanding capital projects, and allowing boards to hire school superintendents who do not hold educational degrees. Klizman said "time will tell" if any of these bills become law. He encouraged everyone to contact their legislators to voice their opposition/promotion of the bills being introduced.

In other business, Klitzman shared with the board that elementary school principal Jill Collins had challenged elementary school students to collect $1,000 in pennies for Riley Children's Hospital, and if they did, she would kiss a pig. The students collected $2,116, so on Friday (Feb. 15), she made good on her promise.

Under report items:

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that all seventh grade students and all middle school teachers now have iPads to enhance student learning. The Logansport Pharos Tribune published a front-page article on how the iPads are being used at the middle school. On Jan. 24, and eighth-grade orientation for next year's freshmen was held. High school guidance director John King will now meet with each eighth-grader to help construct his/her schedule for high school. Dickinson and King are initiating "Test Talks" with each student. These “Talks” will give the principal and guidance counselor a chance to explain to each student his/her test scores (ISTEP+ and NWEA), what they mean, what the student can do to improve scores, and testing taking tips. Similar talks will be held with teachers.

Mrs. Collins reported on the first Pre-School Bridge Meeting, held Feb. 7, introducing pre-school students and their parents to the elementary schoo. Forty-seven students attended with a total of 137, including parents. The next meeting will be in the first part of March. The next Family Literacy Night on Feb. 21 will be a pajama party, celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The RIF Read-in, the REMC electric demonstration, Junior Achievement, Extension Office, and many more community partners help to bring community members to the elementary in various ways.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported Quest Fritz and Richie Doty participated in the semi-state wrestling meet. The girls basketball team concluded its season, losing to Boone Grove in the sectional semi-final. Their record was 16-6. Boys basketball continues. The high school musical, “Tarzan,” is rescheduled for April 13 and 14. The high school has and continues to raise money for Riley Children's Hospital. DeFries thanked Dr. Klitzman for allowing students to take field trips. Recently students from English, Topics in History, and Band/Choral visited the local ISIS Theater to see movies made from the books they are reading.

In other business:

The school corporation's condition-of-funds statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The general fund comparison statement showed that 52 percent of the yearly appropriation remained. Klitzman explained that although the appropriation percentage is the same, the school is receiving less funding for 2013, and if enrollment decreases again next year the corporation will receive even less.

Klitzpman noted that when the budget was advertised in January 2012 the capital projects levy had two different figures. In one place the projected yearly levy was listed, but in another place a six-month figure was listed. To correct the levy it was re-advertise with the proper figure. The board voted to approve the correction.

The board voted approval to a request from high school science teacher Barbara Behnke for an overnight field trip to take students to a Science Symposium March 7-9, at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. The students will be presenters and take part in other activities at the event.

Approval was also given to middle/high school Science Olympiad coach Steve Slaven to take the qualifying Science Olympiad teams to state competition in Bloomington, overnight March 15 and 16.

Approval was given to high school instructional assistant Gayle Conner for an unpaid special leave.

During the school board comment period the number of home schooled students was discussed; it is estimated in the mid-20s. Amber Tomlinson was introduced as the new reporter for the Journal. The Braun family was offered condolences.

The next school board meeting will be at 10 a.m., Monday, March 11, at the elementary school.