West Central Board deals with start-of-school matters

Before the regular meeting, the board met in a work session to go over the 2015 School Budget, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan.

The school board approved the following resignations, as presented:

Bryce Kappes – Special Needs Teacher
Travis Stangland – Business Teacher and Varsity Basketball Coach
Becky Snyder – Agriculture Teacher
Caryn Yochum – P.E. Teacher
Alex Warren – Band/Choral Teacher
Joan Allen – Custodian – Middle School
Jennifer Marlatt – Instructional Assistant – Elementary School
Tammy Toosley – Instructional Assistant – Middle School

The board voted to employ the following individuals, as presented:

Sarah Sensibaugh – Math Teacher
Daniel Coffey – Band/Choral Teacher
Tonya Wall – P.E. Teacher
Lindley Laposi – Special Ed. Teacher
E. Anne Ketchen – Temp Contract for nine weeks for Lindley Laposi
Shaw Hasselby – Agriculture Teacher – FFA & MS FFA
Terry Boesch – Business Teacher
Betsy Bossaer – School Psychologist (Part-time) – Cooperative School Services
Leanna Nielson – Title I Instructional Assistant - Elementary School
Estie Schultz – Instructional Assistant – Elementary School
Tammy Huddleston – Instructional Assistant – Middle School
Ronette Messer – Instructional Assistant – High School
David Walters – Custodian – High School
Jodie Schlatter – Title I Administrator
Marlana Lewark – JV Volleyball

In other business, the board voted to approve the second reading of the policy manual revision regarding "Possessing Firearms on School Property."

The board approved a motion to approve the Title I Grant, as presented.

The board approved the following resolution, as presented: Be it resolved that the members of the Board of School Trustees and the Superintendent of Schools are hereby granted approval to participate in professional growth opportunities during the 2014-2015 school year. This will consist of conferences and workshops sponsored by the ISBA and IAPSS as well as other worthy organizations.

The board voted to adopt the resolution to approve reducing the 2014 debt service appropriation in the amount of $89,500, as presented.

The board approved a motion to increase the amount the bus drivers are paid for field trips and extracurricular trips as presented.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:

ISTEP+ scores were released to the public on Aug. 4. Both principals are happy to report that ISTEP+ scores are moving up at West Central. At the elementary school E/LA went from 86.9% to 87.4%, Math scores moved up from 80.1% to 85.3%, and the overall pass rate moved from 76.4% to 79.6%. At the middle school E/LA went from 62.6% to 68.6%, Math scores moved up from 74.8% to 80.1%, and the overall rate jumped from 58.3% to 65.4%. These steady gains are the direct result of the staff’s and students’ hard work last year.

Superintendent Don Street reviewed the monthly financial report for the end of July. The annual financial report was reviewed. The report will be published in the local newspaper. Health insurance premium information will be available in mid-August. It appears that an increase will occur.

The insurance committee will be making a recommendation on property and casualty coverage at the September meeting. Four different companies are providing quotes.

The electricity was turned off to the school on Thursday so NIPSCO could replace a cover. They also removed the transformers and a pole by the football concession stand. All the electrical work has been completed at the football field.

The new telephone system that was installed corporation-wide over the summer is in place and working. Two new large fans have been installed and are working in the auxiliary gym and elementary gym. The water line from the well to the elementary school was replaced due to three leaks because of the age of the line. The line will be in use after two good water samples are secured.

The wind turbine has been producing electricity consistently after a generator fan was replaced. A newer computer from the building will be installed in the wind turbine to allow the maintenance company to monitor the production and function. Wind Turbine speed and availability was at predictions.

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that the elementary school finished up registration on Tuesday (Aug. 5). New teachers went through orientation Thursday, and the district-wide professional development meetings will occur Aug. 8 and 11. At those meetings participants will review some of the ISTEP+ data and continue to develop teachers’ skills in using technology in the classroom. Meet the Teacher night will be Aug. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. The PTC has again agreed to provide ice cream for all who come. On the first student day, Aug. 12, all students and staff will take part in a school-wide assembly in the afternoon to review expectations and celebrate the new year. The PTC will also provide a breakfast that morning for families new to the West Central School Corporation.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that registration at the middle/high school went smoothly. He thanked the custodial staff for their efforts in getting the buildings in good shape for the new school year. A big thank you was extended to the technology team for their efforts in getting all of the new chrome books and Ipads ready for the 1-to-1 rollout for this school year. Brett Eastburn will be a guest speaker at a K-12 convocation to be held at 1:30 p.m., Aug. 15 at 1:30 PM.

Street reported that the custodians have done a great job of preparing the school for students.