Such investments could provide an opportunity for the school corporation to realize an income of several thousand dollars over the next couple of years which could be used for needed projects.

The school board voted to approve the five necessary steps to allow the investment process to continue. First, after discussion, the board voted to suspend Policy 107 for 24 hours. The board then approved the following related to the investment of bond proceeds and operating funds: CD/CDARS Resolution, Maturity Resolution, Investment Policy, Engagement Letter, and Depository Agreements, as presented.

In other business, Foster reported that the ESCRFT (Educational Service Centers Risk Funding Trust) trust agreement was reviewed and updated which included personnel and clerical updates and corrections. After discussion. the board voted to approve the amended ESCRFT Trust Agreement, as presented. EXCRFT is an insurance cooperative used by several school districts throughout the state.

Under personnel items, it was reported that teacher Valeri Gajda resigned earlier this fall due to personal issues. The position was posted and Amy Ruiz was recommended to fill the open elementary school special education position beginning second semester.  Foster recommended this position be a one-semester position and then to re-evaluate at the end of the school year. The board approved Ruiz for the open elementary school special education position, as recommended. 

Foster reported the prom/after prom committees are working together this year to combine the event. They submitted a field trip request to take the participants to Chicago to have the Prom and After Prom on the Spirit of Chicago. There would be dinner and a dance, all in one place. The cost would be $80. There are upcoming fund raising opportunities to raise money to lower the price. After discussion, the board voted to approve the out-of-state field trip, as presented. 

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31.  The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement showed 21.87% of the yearly appropriation remains. 

After discussion, the board approved all claims as submitted. 

Foster shared with the board that a donation for $15,000 for upgrades to the baseball field was received by an anonymous donor. The board voted to accept the donation.

The superintendent also reported on the following:

• ISTEP scores were released on Nov. 6, but were unreadable. They were re-released the next day, which was much better, but administrators are still waiting on further information, which may be in December. New this year, parents have to request a re-score, not the school.  Foster voiced frustration over the test and the concern that the cut scores were set after the test was taken. 
• The next set of rooms from the renovation is just about to be turned back over to the school. Foster said, "We keep promoting to 'keep the big picture in mind.'”
• The first contract of roof work is almost done.
• The technology infrastructure rebid is out; mostly for a new fire alarm system. 
• The School Safety Grant has been submitted. The request is for elementary school cameras, and signage – internally and externally, and to purchase nine AED’s for the buildings.

Principal reports:

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported last Saturday there was a family fitness event at the West Central Schools Pool – 80 students attended.  The PTA helped fund the event.  A Veterans Day program will be held Nov. 11.  Next Thursday will be Family Literacy Night sponsored by the PTA – Jim Basketball Jones will be the presenter.  Attitude of Gratitude is a new program beginning in November. The Food Drive profited the local food pantry and the Pulaski Animal Center – 3,140 items. Ecology Camp kicked off Nov. 9 to help maintain the outdoor lab, coordinated by teacher Kullen Day.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that Department of Education training will be Nov. 12 on math and language. Continuum Benchmark Houghton Mifflin Harcourt testing continues. Junior Achievement representatives are coming to seventh-grade.  On Dec. 8, eighth-grade students will go to Warsaw’s Wagon Wheel Theater to see Cinderella. Seventh-grade students will travel to Purdue on Dec. 10 as part of TechFit. Science Olympiad is starting. National Junior Honor Society is planning a dance. The bookstore is being maintained by the Warrior Up Club. Winter sports are underway. A Veterans’ Day program is scheduled for Nov. 11.  And the band and choir are preparing for Christmas programs. 

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the Warrior Academy State visit is Nov. 10.  If the program meets their guidelines, it will be funded through the state. Teacher Kevin Zupin was mentioned in an article in the Education Update magazine. The fall play was very good – director Patrick Schuttrow and the students were commended.  National Honor Society induction will be Nov. 10 – 26 students are being inducted. The Veterans’ Day program will be Nov. 11 in the high school gym. 

Board Comment: The Prom/After Prom Committee was commended as well as the anonymous donation for the baseball field. Miss Ruiz was welcomed.