Last year a one-year contract was approved with the EPTA with a zero-percent pay increase. Because it was a one-year contract, Dr. Klitzman contacted the ISTA representative, Craig Blume, and the EPTA representative, Kyle Johnson, to begin negotiations for the 2010-11 school year. He also informed them that nothing had changed financially since last year. When the EPTA met, members voted to accept the same terms as last year.

“This is the second year we have not been able to give an increase in pay except for those teachers moving up the salary scale,” Dr. Klitzman said later. “I hope the economy picks up real soon so more people will be working, and so more will feel good about purchasing. Our general fund is solely funded by state sales tax and income tax.

In other business, Dr. Klitzman reported that preliminary figures show that overall student enrollment is down by 35 students. The elementary school is down by four students, middle school by nine students and high school down by 22 students. The official state count date was Sept. 17. This is another area of financial concern, as Indiana schools are funded, in part, by the number of students enrolled.

The school corporation’s “Helping Hands” program continues to assist in-need students and families, and Dr. Klitzman said the program has “been outstanding, exceeding my expectations.” This month there have been donations ranging from $10 to $200 from groups and individuals.

Dr. Klitzman reported that the schools are just finishing fall assessments. Several testing and evaluation programs are being utilized to help students improve. The state is in transition from ISTEP to End-of-Course Assessments, and students will be tested every quarter instead of once each year. EPCS will follow a national, instead of a state curriculum which will set standards and when to teach them.

The board was informed that paperless progress reports are being utilized at all buildings for each nine-week grading period. If an email address is provided, parents will receive progress reports and report cards electronically.

The board accepted the resignation of middle school special education teacher Amanda Kistler, who has accepted a position at the elementary school as a LAJSSC special education teacher. Casey Hines has been employed to fill the middle school position.

The board appointed Mary Ann Finke to the Pulaski County Library Board, to complete the term of Tom Drach who resigned his position.

Approval was given to the Sunshine Society for their annual member/parent trip to Chicago on Nov. 21; and to the FFA for an overnight trip to attend the national convention in Indianapolis.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on testing and evaluation programs, including the RtI (Response to Instruction) program which helps teachers reach students who need help and offers remediation strategies. It also promotes differentiated instruction and assessment. DeFries added that more teachers are using the “Harmony” program this year, putting lesson plans online for students and parents to access for better communication. DeFries also reported on homecoming activities, including a parade, followed by community pep session on Thursday (Sept. 23).

Middle school principal Stan Good reported on the “AutoSkills,” a computer-based remediation program used at the school to help students improve ISTEP scores.

Elementary principal Jill Collins informed the board that teachers in grades 3-5 are meeting to review ISTEP scores and work on strategies for improvement and intervention. The “Donuts with Dad” event, hosted by the PTA, will be Oct. 1. She also reported that students in grades 3-5, to promote health, are walking laps for fitness after lunch.

The board’s next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, in the Distance Learning Lab.