The special student presentations, scheduled to be shared with the school board, were postponed or canceled. 

In other business, Foster gave a legislative update to the board. If passed, HB 1001 would directly affect schools, in that personal property taxes may be eliminated. These taxes help to fund schools and if they are eliminated, at this time, there is no plan to replace them, the superintendent explained. Another bill, that would make it legal for licensed gun owners to leave firearms locked and concealed in vehicles on school property, has passed the legislature and been sent to the governor for his signature (or veto).

Foster reported Logansport Special Services high school teacher. Mary Plummer has submitted her request to retire to Logansport Area Joint Special Services Cooperative (LAJSSC). She is employed by LAJSSC, but works at WCHS.  Mrs. Plummer has been in education for 36 years, approximately 30 of those years at Eastern Pulaski.  She was commended for her service and wished well. 

Also, elementary school teacher MaryAnn Fritz, Elementary School Teacher, was approved for retirement beginning the end of the school year.  Mrs. Fritz has been in education for 30 years with 27 at Eastern Pulaski.

And, high school teacher Pam Agnew was approved for retirement beginning the end of the school year.  Mrs. Agnew has been in education for 16 years, with 15 at Eastern Pulaski.

Both ladies were commended for their years of service and wished well.

Foster reported that the bus purchase process was through the Wilson Education Service Center this year. Using the Service Center is approved by the State Board of Accounts, and saves time and saves money. Funds are available in the Bus Purchase Account to purchase two school buses.  After reviewing bids and considering needs and trade-in options, Foster recommended, and it was approved, to purchase two school buses, very similar to the buses purchased last year, from Midwest Transit Equipment for $175,602 less trade-in through the Wilson Education Service Center. 

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Feb. 28. The two usual financial statements were included in board packets and approved as submitted. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all Corporation Funds had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement showed that 43.1% of the yearly appropriation remained, close to last year’s balance. 

Foster gave the monthly reports for the three principals.

The Elementary School Open House/Science Fair was Thursday, March 13. Elementary school principal Jill Collins has formed the Road Warriors Running Club and so far there are approximately 30 students involved. 

The middle school Science Olympiad Team did not qualify for state competition this year; however the high school did.  The annual Pennies for Patients competition raised $800.

The high school has many activities taking place, including the boys’ basketball team going to regional competition on Saturday, March 15, at North Judson.

 A school board work session followed the meeting concerning future projects. 

During board comment Mrs. Fritz, Mrs. Agnew, and Mrs. Plummer were all commended and wished well. The boys’ basketball team was commended for winning sectional. The Bus Committee was commended as well.

The next school board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 14, in the Distance Learning Lab.