In other business, a summary of the Class of 2013 was presented by high school guidance counselor Kate Daily. Seventy-two percent of the class is pursuing higher education. The report also included where each student went after graduation (college, vocational school, workforce, military). Mrs. Daily highlighted the merits of the Dual Credit Courses, Co-op, AP, and Mentorship Programs. Thirty-Five students took dual credit courses from the graduating class, and that number will increase next year.  Mrs. Daily thanked Mrs. Rhonda Malott for gathering the information and preparing the report. 

Under report items, Foster announced the ISBA (Indiana School Board Association) state conference in Indianapolis had some good sessions and speakers, including sessions on state finances, and vision and mission statements for schools.  The ISBA regional meeting will be Oct. 16, at Christos in Plymouth.

Foster also reported on health insurance (MASE), noting the increase in health insurance premiums beginning January 2014, will only be 4%. The insurance trust is offering programs to help participants stay healthy – blood screenings and flu shots were given in September at no cost to members, and beginning Oct. 29, a satellite clinic will open.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins announced upcoming educational field trips: kindergarten to McClure's Orchard, first grade to the Zoo, sedond grade to the local fire station, third grade to the Hoosier Railroad, fourth grade to the Trail of Courage, and fifth grade to Jasper-Pulaski Game Preserve. The PTA gave $2 to each student to help cover the cost of the trips. Family Fitness night will be Oct. 24, and Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated the with a convocation on Oct. 25.   

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that parent/teacher conferences at the high school went well. Those students failing or at risk of failing were focused on. Fall athletics are winding down. He shared that longtime choral director Patrick Schuttrow is teaching some history classes this year, most recently focusing on civil rights. Teacher Theresa Morning and her brother shared with the class their family’s struggles during the Civil Rights movement. 

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that acuity testing is complete at the middle school. The data from these types of tests will be analyzed during professional development. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) members were thanked for volunteering their time. The first band/choir concert of the year was held Oct. 1.   

The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all accounts had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement indicated that 91.36% of the yearly appropriation remained, up from last year.  All claims were approved as presented. 

Under action items, Foster and Kate Daily were appointed MASE Insurance Trust representatives. 

The high school physics class was approved to travel to Batavia, Ill., to the Fermi National Laboratory.  High school student council representatives were approved to attend the state convention Oct. 26-27, in Indianapolis. 

During the board comment period the following were commended:  Mr. DeFries and the high school for contacting parents of students who are failing or being at risk of failing during parent/teacher conferences; cross country runners Claire Collins and Zach Markley for breaking school records; Mrs. Daily and Mr. Foster for agreeing to be MASE Insurance Trust representatives; local firefighters and the PTA for helping with field trips and Mrs. Daily and Mrs. Malott for compiling the Class of 2013 follow-up report. 

During public comment:  Josh Davis addressed the school board concerning a senior trip.   

The next regular school board meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 11, in the Distance Learning Lab.