Earlier this spring, Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill into law allowing guns to be locked in cars on school property, as long as they are hidden and in the parking lot. The bill generated debate during the 2014 Indiana General Assembly session, with several groups, including the Indiana State Teachers Association, opposing the measure.

(See article on new law regarding guns on school property under "Indiana News" on this website.)

Also, the board voted to approve the seclusion and restraint plan as presented, with the understanding that every effort should be made to prevent the need to restrain or place students in seclusion. This plan was developed by the Cooperative School Services staff and legal counsel.

State law requires each public, charter or accredited nonpublic school to adopt a restraint and seclusion plan by July 1.

In other business, Superintendent Charles Mellon informed the board that the classroom teachers association and the administration are working together to establish a compensation model that will go into effect in August of 2015.

He also reported that information is being presented to insurance companies, as the renewal of the current property and liability policy is Sept. 9.

The seven summer maintenance and improvement projects, including a new telephone system and the last phase of the football field lighting project, were discussed with the board. Mellon reported that the bus inspection, held in May,went very well. All busses passed inspection. Gratitude was expressed to Mr. Barngrover and the drivers for keeping the busses safe to operate.

Under personnel items:

• Approval was given to the maternity leave request from Kari Ruble, as presented.
• The board approved the transfer  request for Sheila Shafer from OT paraprofessional to secretary for Cooperative School Services, as presented.
• The board accepted the resignations of middle school math teacher Jeff Horlacher, and elementary teacher Sally Sharpe.
• The board voted to approve the July 1 contracts and the administrator contracts for West Central, as presented.
• Approval was given to the July 1 and classified employees contracts for Cooperative School Services, as presented.
• The board voted to employ Heather Beach as the language arts teacher at the high school, as presented.
• Approval was given to the employment of three individuals for the cafeteria, as presented:  April Patton, Della Myers and  Alexandra Shonk .

The board voted to keep book rental fees for 2014-15 the same as the 2013-14 school year.

• Kindergarten $66
• First Grade $95
• Second Grade $99.75
• Third Grade $84
• Fourth Grade $73.50
• Fifth Grade $74.50
• Grades 6-12 will be determined by course selection

All grades will have a $15 technology fee added on for students  receiving a digital device. This will create a fund for repair and replacement of one-to-one devices.

The board voted to approve the Keystone Contract as presented. Keystone is the corporation’s budget and software company.

The board received an update on summer school. The elementary school just finished up their fourth day for the summer session while the Life Skills will be holding a session in July. The driver’s education class is now in session.

The board voted to approve the Data Coach Agreement with Lavonne Pelsy, as presented. This position is paid via grant funds.

The board appointed Rita Carpenter to the Pulaski County Public Library board, as presented

Approval was given to holding the second performance of the high school play at 3:30, Sunday, Oct. 19.

The board voted to approve the school  services agreement with Crossing National, Inc. This alternative school will benefit students who have left school and wish to re-enroll to graduate.

Under discussion items, elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that summer school is in full swing, going from June 2-5 and June 9-12. The students involved are a mix of High Ability Students receiving enrichment activities, grades 1-3 students receiving supplementing reading assistance, and English Language Learners receiving extra language support. The activities will conclude with a pool party on Thursday, June 12.

Custodians have begun deep cleaning the school in preparation for next year, including preparing some of the rooms for new carpet. Another major maintenance upgrade being done over the summer involves the gutter lining of the pool, which will be refurbished during the first week of July. The annual cleaning and upgrades will continue to help West Central to be a clean, safe, and inspiring place to learn.

Middle/high school principal Don Street discussed the high school mathematics department using mastery learning with the Algebra I classes. Students will be required to earn 70% on all quizzes and tests before advancing to the next lesson. This will allow students to move at a quicker pace and other students to move at a more appropriate learning pace.