Supt. Dr. Robert Klitzman presented follow-up information on Mrs. Daily’s report, giving Career Center statistics, and listing the categories where graduates are employed, including industry, healthcare and agriculture. He noted that the graduate reports have been given to the school board since 1987.
In other business, Dr. Klitzman reported the schools’ enrollment on the official count date was 1,182.5 (kindergarten students are counted as half). He noted that enrollment has dropped two of the past three years. He said this is significant because state financial aid is directly linked to enrollment. EPCS state funding will decrease, beginning in January.
The board was told the 21stCentury Scholars Program official induction ceremony will be Monday, Oct. 25, at the courthouse. Students will be inducted by Judge Shurn with comments by Dr. Klitzman. “Unfortunately,” Dr. Klitzman reported, “there is discussion in Indianapolis of cutting funding for this successful program.”
Dr. Klitzman reported on the Indiana School Board Association state meeting, saying the conference had some good sessions. He discussed one which centered on future trends, including a prediction that the rail industry will make a comeback as a high speed network. This would allow commuters to make safe use of their cell phone and BlackBerry technology (unlike while driving). Growing technology will allow students to take more classes from home over the internet, and provide for more jobs to be stationed outside the traditional worksite.
High school principal Rick DeFries reported that staff development will focus on Rti, specifically pinpointing whether student problems are academic or behavioral. Also being implemented is an incentive program where staff can help students promote the positive by giving out tickets for good behavior. He also reported on “senior nights” for the fall athletic programs.
Middle school principal Stan Good also noted the fall sports programs are winding down. He said the middle school band/choir fall concert Oct. 7 was “outstanding.”
Elementary principal Jill Collins reported that “Jim Basketball Jones” was scheduled for a school-wide convocation to deliver a message on overcoming dyslexia. He was also featured at the Family Literacy Night. She also noted that the program for grades 3-5 has been moved to the fall from the spring to lessen conflict with ISTEP testing.
The board approved a trip request from the high school student council, sponsored by Rachael Sandberg, to attend (with 15 students) the annual state convention, Nov. 12-14.
The board appointed a committee to study science textbooks for adoption for the 2011-18 school years. Chairperson will be Dr. Darlene Gordon. Teacher members will be Margaret DeWitt and Dave Ralstin, and the parent member will be Scott Taylor.
The next school board meeting will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 8, at the Distance Learning Lab.
