Angie Anspach was appointed corporation treasurer with Diana Hanselman as deputy treasurer.  Bonds were also set for various positions. Attorney Tim Murray was re-appointed as the school board attorney. 

The annual conflict of interest forms were approved as presented.

In other business, on behalf of the Linda Braun Foundation a gift of $25,000 was donated to the high school athletic department for football field improvements. The donation was wholeheartedly accepted.

The board approved the advertised fiscal year budget, capital projects plan and resolution, bus replacement plan and resolution, and the neutrality resolution — the next step in the budget approval process. Authorization was also given for Superintendent Dan Foster to modify the budget at the upcoming state hearing, if necessary. 

The state requires each school corporation to compile financial goals to shift plan funds from overhead and operations-type accounts to instructional and academic-type accounts. The goals were approved, as presented, and will be submitted to the department of education.

The 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school year calendars were approved as presented. The most significant aspect of each calendar is that the first semester ends before Christmas Break.

The staff was approved for a two percent stipend, as presented. 

The sub-grant agreement for the 2014 Secured School Safety Grant Fund was approved, as presented. The Grant will be used for safety/security cameras and a keyless entry system at the Elementary School. 

The condition of funds statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The general fund comparison statement showed that 61.2% of the yearly appropriation remained — on track with past years. All claims were approved, as presented.

Rick Mynark was appointed to the Pulaski County Public Library Board, as presented. 

REPORTS:

High school principal Rick DeFries provided an update on the Dual Credit Program (through IVY Tech) at the high school.  The Dual Credit classes are free to students and count toward college credit.  Some of the classes offered are horticulture, English, Spanish, and government.  As a reminder, the best way to find updates and/or cancellations on activities is the school website. Athletic director Bill Ball was commended for coordinating and re-scheduling events due to inclement weather. The entire staff at the high school was commended for their continued hard work. The Braun family was thanked for their generous donation to the athletic department for football field improvements. The individuals serving on the calendar committee were thanked. Retired science teacher David Ralstin will return to teach chemistry for second semester. The school board was thanked for the stipend. There was discussion concerning a Holiday Tournament for girls basketball. 

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that Jan. 15, will be the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Read-in, sponsored by the Star City Lions Club. Mid-year assessments began Jan. 13.  A Fit Festival Convocation will be Jan. 31, and Feb. 7 will be the Fourth Grade Recorder Concert.  An amazing 306 students at the elementary school had Positive Office Recognition Referrals made by teachers to highlight student accomplishments and improvements.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson congratulated the elementary and high school for receiving A’s on their School Letter Grade, Indiana’s A through F Grading System.  Although the middle school received a C, along with most middle schools in the state, he said Winamac Community Middle School is “doing great job of educating our students and will continue to work on improvements.”   

Foster reported on the following:

· Christmas Break Projects:  The usual shampooing and waxing of floors was done. More classrooms were switched from pneumatic to digital controls, along with other maintenance-type projects. The high school and middle school gym floors were re-surfaced as well. 

· With all the snow, maintenance personnel were thanked for all their hard work to remove all the snow, along with the town, county, and state.  Larry Hoover, Emergency Management director, was thanked for keeping the school informed of the inclement weather. 

· The Braun Family was thanked for their generous donation to the high school. The entire staff was commended for continuing to work hard for the students.

Board Comment: The Braun Family, Lions Club and entire staff were commended. The family of Mrs. Collins was offered condolences. 

The next school board meeting will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, at the Distance Learning Lab.