In other business, the school board voted to adopt the 2014 budget for the General Fund, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan, as presented.

Superintendent Charles Mellon gave an update on the progress being made with NIPSCO on the field lighting project and wind turbine.  He also reported on the student ADM (average daily membership) count taken on Friday, Sept. 13 which showed a student population of 806.46. This is down from a count of 833 last year.

The third quarter budget figures were presented to the board. Bus bids will be available at the next meeting.

Mellon went over the three plans offered for the MASE Health Insurance renewals. The board voted to approve the health insurance rates for employees, as presented.

Elementary school principal Zylstra went over grading changes that are being implemented in the elementary school to align with the new reading programs. Grades K-4 will see a writing grade changed to penmanship. Grades 1-2 will combine reading and English into one language arts grade. Grade 5 will see spelling, English and reading combined into a language arts grade. The board voted to approve these changes to the student handbook, as presented.

The board approved a PERF resolution expanding its PERF plan to include an IT Computer Technician position.

The board approved the following resignations, as presented: elementary custodians Evelyn Dunker and Mary Hoover, and seventh-grade girls basketball coach Stacey Brickley.

The board approved the medical leave request from Bill Rowe, as presented.

Approval was given to the following employment recommendations: elementary custodians Vivian Mitchell and Cecil.

Middle/high school principal Street reported that the sophomore class will start magazine and detergent sales Oct. 7. The high school play will be Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13. Mrs. Hillary Durie and Mrs. Becky Reed are the directors.

The FFA breakfast will be Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8 to 10 a.m. West Central will host the MWC Varsity CC meet on Thursday, Oct. 10. The PSAT will be given to sophomores and a few juniors on Wednesday, Oct. 16 during the school day. The choir will perform in concert on Monday, Oct. 21. Red Ribbon week will be at the end of October.

Middle school students will soon start Planned Potential. The program guides students through making right choices. The first round of student drug testing was completed with all negative results (this is good).

Principal Zylstra reported that Family Literacy Night will be Oct. 10, with the Book Fair leading up to it from Oct. 7-11. The theme this year is “Reading Safari.” and organizers hope to have a camel present at the celebration. Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the PTC, will be the week of Oct. 21. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Oct. 17 and 22, with report cards being handed out to parents on Oct. 23. The elementary school “Thursday mornings” have been used for 1:1 technology, and behavior supports collaboration.

Approval was given to the conference request from Arlene Metzger to attend the School Nurse Conference in Indianapolis.

The board approved field trip requests for Janet Kruger and members of FCA to attend the FCA Game Day in Indianapolis, and Janet Kruger and members of student council to attend the state convention in Indianapolis.

The school board presented “student of the month” awards to Josiah Rodriguez at the elementary school level, and Lana Kaeb at the middle school level. Dusty Johnson was also honored for being selected at the high school level, but was unable to attend the meeting.