The board gave approval to the first reading of the firearms policy, as presented, written in accordance with a new state law.
The policy reads, "A firearm under this policy is any weapon that is capable of expelling, designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosion and includes ammunition. No school employee may possess a firearm in a school building or on school property while on duty as a school employee unless the firearm is locked in the trunk of the employee’s vehicle, kept in the glove compartment of the employee’s locked vehicle or stored out of plain sight in the employee’s locked vehicle."
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.
The IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) by-law concerning home school students was reviewed. The West Central administration will follow the IHSAA rules and recommendations. Last year the IHSAA approved allowing home-schooled students to compete on athletic teams at the local public school serving their residence as long as certain criteria are met. The measure went into effect with the 2013-14 school year.
Superintendent Don Street shared information with the board concerning the progress of the 2015 budget. The corporation has received word that the state is projecting a $150,000 reduction in the state funded portion of funds which operates the corporation’s general fund.
The board accepted the following resignations, as presented:
- Chuck Evans – administrative assistant/athletic director
- Darren Rodriguez – PE/health teacher; head football coach
- Katherine Klingerman – diagnostician – Cooperative School Services
- Julie Hunsley – secretary – Cooperative School Services
A motion was approved to transfer Brian Pilarski from elementary/high school physical education to high school physical education.
The board approved the following for employment, as presented:
- Wesley Allen – assistant principal/athletic director
- Kyle Evans –elementary/high school PE teacher, assistant football coach, JV boys basketball coach, varsity baseball coach
- Jennifer Byrne-Stasiek – elementary teacher
- Erin Nault – elementary guidance counselor – temporary contract during Kari Ruble’s maternity leave
- Anna DeRoo – elementary music teacher
- Connie Dunn – Title I instructional assistant
- Gretchen Heimlich – diagnostician – Cooperative School Services
- Amber McAdow – secretary - Cooperative School Services
- Kaci Conley – job coach – Cooperative School Services
- Duane Dickensheets – cross country coach
- Marc Hall – varsity football coach
- Jenelle Owens – varsity cheerleading coach
- Kelsey Erb – varsity/MS assistant cheerleading coach
- Elyse Williams – MS head cheerleading coach
- Riley Cervenka – 8th grade girls basketball coach
- Kenny Nielsen – varsity wrestling coach; MS wrestling coach
- Jason Wall – varsity assistant wrestling coach
- Jennifer Owens – varsity assistant softball coach
- Wade Vyhnanek – varsity assistant football coach
- Ross Davis – MS football coach
A motion was approved for the reappointment of the following individuals for the 2014-2015 school year:
- Pamela Ledford – corporation treasurer
- Bonnie Koebcke – corporation assistant treasurer
- Monica Franscoviak – extra-curricular treasurer
- Dumas & Mahnesmith – corporation attorney
Middle/high school principal Pat Culp discussed with the school board the current teaching openings, and his transition to West Central.
Teacher Marc Hall, who is also the newly appointed varsity football coach, commented on his excitement for the upcoming season and developing young men of character.
Street informed the board on the progress of the various summer projects in the buildings.
Mrs. Schlatter has submitted the Title I grant to the IDOE for approval.
The elementary school was awarded an Excellence in Education Grant for improving from a Focus school during the 2012-13 school year.
Hoosier Internet will be increasing the height of the internet tower at the school by 10 feet and adding an airFiber model that will increase the speed and range of the internet.
The water lines to the elementary well have developed two leaks. These lines have developed a few leaks over the past few years and quotes are being gathered to replace the lines.
Lazarus Conley will represent West Central in the North-South All-Star Football game at 6 p.m., Friday, July 18, at North Central High School.
