A construction meeting is held every fourth Thursday.

In other business, Foster gave a legislative update pertaining to the “hold harmless clause” relating to ISTEP. 

Also, Foster commended the board for leading by example and going paperless for board meetings.

During board reorganization for the calendar year, Joe Cunningham was re-elected school board president. Deke DeMarco was elected vice president and Teri Johnston as secretary.

The board voted for board member compensation to remain the same as last year – $2,000, the legal limit. Cunningham voted in opposition. 

Angie Anspach was appointed as corporation treasurer, and Diana Hanselman as deputy treasurer. Bonds were set at $50,000 for corporation treasurer, $25,000 for the deputy treasurer, $25,000 for the high school extracurricular treasurer, $5,000 for the middle school extracurricular treasurer, $10,000 for the elementary school extracurricular treasurer and $25,000 for the lunch express position. 

Tim Murray was re-appointed as school board attorney. Murray was commended for the hours he devotes to the school at no charge.   

As per statute, conflict of interest forms were prepared and accepted for those individuals who are affiliated with entities with which the school does business – Joe Cunningham, Lori Cunningham, Kelly Cunningham, Mike Tetzloff, Rachel Tetzloff, Dan Foster and Rachel Foster. 

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Dec. 31.  All funds had positive balances, ending the year with 7.14% appropriation remaining. Foster answered questions about claims.  After discussion, all claims were approved as presented

Foster presented the appropriation and allotment transfers to close the calendar year 2015 Budget. The transfers were approved, as presented.

Foster presented a resolution to transfer unused and encumbered monies from the 2015 transportation fund to the rainy day fund. The transportation fund has a healthy balance and this transfer could reduce the levy in transportation and increase the capital projects fund next year. After discussion, the board voted to approve the resolution as presented. 

Foster stated that due to a state legislative session from a few years ago schools are required to compile a financial plan/goals attempting to shift funds from overhead and operations type accounts to instructional and academic type accounts. Foster explained that this statutory requirement is the same as last year, and school officials do try to be frugal. The board voted to approve the financial plan/goals as submitted

The board voted to accept the resignations of Jamie Wenzler and Meredith Fitch as Junior Class sponsors, and to accept the employment of Wendy Hinz as a high school instructional assistant. Mr. DeFries will fill in as the Junior Class sponsor.  Mrs. Hinz is replacing Courtney Mestrovich, who resigned in December.   

High school teacher Braden Julian submitted an overnight field trip request to take four students to the Indiana Junior Science and Humanities Symposium March 3-5, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The students will have the opportunity to present their research. This trip has been taken in the past. After discussion, the board voted to approve the trip, as presented.

Principal Reports:

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on Professional Development from Monday, Jan. 4. Teachers received AESOP training, formed leadership teams and Mrs. Sandberg shared CANVAS opportunities. The second annual blood drive will be Jan. 20, in the high school gym. Friday, Jan. 15, there will be a home basketball game against North Judson, Snowcoming, Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, and a dance. 

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that Professional Development on Jan. 4, focused on Depth of Knowledge. There is a new program called Catch up Café to allow students who have missed work to do it during that time. The second round of NWEA testing will begin next week. 

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that Professional Development on Jan. 4, focused on cross grade level meetings and test taking security presented by Mrs. Schultz, along with brainstorming needs of high ability students. Specials teachers worked on a form of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) adding fine arts into the mix. Mrs. Collins also challenged teachers to an exercise in writing – to help relationship building between teachers and students. The random acts of kindness program was highlighted. Online videos and student testing were also reported on.  

Board Comment:  The junior class sponsors were thanked for their service. Mrs. Hinz was welcomed. Mrs. Collins was commended for her “I wish my teacher knew” writing project.