The students gave the reasons for their request – from limited computer lab access to the increased use of technology at school. Foster explained that with only freshmen having iPads, it is difficult for teachers with mixed grades in their classes to teach.

After a lengthy presentation and discussion, it was approved to proceed to develop a Mobile Device Policy, having Foster, DeFries, and student/teacher representatives meet to devise a policy. 

At the beginning of the meeting, in recognition of Veterans Day, board president Mike Tetzloff asked all veterans to stand and be recognized. 

In other business, administrator contracts were approved through June 30, 2015 for the elementary school principal, middle school principal, high school principal, and athletic director, with no increase in compensation at this time.   

Eastern Pulaski Schools operate on a fiscal year budget and thus must go through the budget process at this time. A work session was held prior to the regular meeting to discuss the budget and all of its components. The levies approved for advertisement will be estimated and inflated to ensure the State Tax Board has room to make cuts once the assessed value and other accurate numbers are received from the state. Approval was given to advertise the 2014-15 budget and levies, and to set the public hearing for Dec. 9.   

Approval was given to use the Indiana Service Center for the state bid process for school bus replacements. This service is approved by the State Board Accounts and the service center, which the school is a member of, pays for all advertising, typing of specifications, etc. The center does all the work, thus saving time and work for the school staff. The center’s specifications meet or exceed the school’s specifications. 

Approval was given to repair the middle school gym sound system with a quote from Circle City (Greenwood, Ind.). With basketball season starting that system will be used frequently. Two quotes were obtained and were within $200 of each other. 

Due to a new state law, sponsored by the Indiana School Boards Association, concerning student discipline, the student handbooks need to be revised. Discussion centered on having a first reading, then approval at the next meeting. Foster advised approving the revisions now due to the fact that the revisions are law. The revisions were approved for immediate implementation into student handbooks. 

The first reading of School Board Policy Section 521 – Use of Isolated Timeouts and Restraints, was presented. Foster stated that the policy stems from questionable restraints, especially with special education students. The final reading and approval will be in December.

REPORTS:

Foster reported on the following:

• Bus Garage Storage – the storage building to the south of the Bus Garage is in need of repairs or replacement. Foster and maintenance supervisor David  DeLorenzo are looking through past quotes and gathering information to present a proposal.
• Technology Department Job Description – a new job description is almost complete for that position. An individual with a teacher’s license is desired to help with implementation of technology in to the classroom. The position will be posted in December, to be filled sometime in March.  
• Transportation Information – the committee for bus replacement will be convened in the near future to look at needs – maybe two full-sized buses and replacing some of the vans. 
• Veterans’ Day Program – the programs were very good and the students were all well-behaved and respectful.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that the school’s annual Veterans Day program was very nice with several veterans in attendance. The annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the PTA will be Dec. 7. The donation of box tops has profited the elementary $30,000 through the PTA. The Response to Instruction program is helping students by focusing on any behavioral or academic concerns of each individual student. 

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the Veterans’ Day Program for middle/high school was also very nice. The National Honor Society will induct 20 new members Nov 12. The boys and girls cross country teams went to semi-state – the first time in several years both teams have advanced.  The football team has a 12-0 record, ranked No. 1 in the state in its class. The team will compete against Pioneer at Regional on Friday, Nov. 15, at Pioneer High School. Freshman student Byron Cole developed, along with his father, a song for Plymouth Tube Company about safety. The company now uses the song for safety training within their organization.  

Middle school principal Brian Dickinson reported that representatives from the community are teaming with Junior Achievement to present students with career options. Eighth grade students are going to the Wagon Wheel Theater to see The Sound of Music on Dec. 8. He also commended the Veterans Day program.  A new “Warrior Up” Club is being implemented in the middle school. The club will focus on doing good things around school and within the community. 

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The general fund comparison statement showed 74.83% of the yearly appropriation remains. 

Board Comment: Students were commended for the professional manner in which they presented their policy proposal. DeFries was thanked for his supervision at football games. Mr. Kain was commended for his budget presentation and helping the corporation through this transition time. 

The next school board meeting will be Dec. 9, in the Distance Learning Lab.