Letters will be given per Indiana state code to those staff members in May who will be recommended for reduction-of-force due to projected enrollment, and projected revenue and expenditures.

During the June board meeting, a recommendation will be given to reduce individual staff members. As other positions become open, discussion and evaluation of the continued need for the position will take place.

Superintendent Don Street emphasized that West Central is not in financial trouble; however, it is important to reduce expenses as a result of less student enrollment and less financial state support for the general fund.

In other business, the board was informed that administrative plans are continuing to provide on-line registration. If the book rental is paid on-line, a fee is charged by the company for the service. This is the same as if paying on-line for lunch.

The board approved the signing of a two- year contract with Head Start to allow Head Start to operate a program at West Central Elementary.

The superintendent also reported:

• West Central Cafeteria received a Bronze Award for Healthier US School Challenge: Smarter Lunchroom Awards. There were 17 award winners and WC was the only Indiana school. Congratulations to the cafeteria staff for their dedication to the West Central students.
• Representative Doug Gutwein and Senator Ed Charbonneau provided assistance with a state government error and Street said the corporation appreciates their assistance. Street shared the latest General Assembly Summary.
• Future board policy items and future guidelines were discussed concerning Internal Controls, Collection and Forgiveness of Debt, Criminal Gangs and Criminal Gang Activity in Schools (required by State Statute), Criminal History for current employees, and Social Media Post and Communication for employees.
• April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The school board approved the retirement of Laura H. (Betsy) Bossaer from the Cooperative School Services, as requested.

The board accepted the following resignations, as presented:

• Glenn Tanner – Maintenance Director
• Tammy Perry – Life Skills Aide
• Danny Robertson – Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

Approval was given to the volunteer employment of Ralph Sharpe – Volunteer Baseball Coach, as presented.

The following conference request as presented: Indiana School Nutrition Association, Indianapolis - Jessica Murray, Cathy Risner and Brittany Mendiola – April 28-29.

Field trips were approved for:

• BPA National Convention - Boston, MA - Joanne Stevens - May 5-9.
• Student Council Lock-In - West Central - Laura Stout – April 8.
• FCCLA National’s - San Diego, CA - Stephanie Thilges - July 3-7.

A contract was approved for Lavonne Pelsy as data coach.

The school board voted to approve the Updated Wellness Policy, as presented.

The board discussed the Preventive Maintenance Proposal from Havel. The school corporation has been very satisfied with the service provided by Havel. The board voted to sign another year maintenance agreement with no price increase.

The board voted to approved an agreement to add School Guard for school safety. : This is a school app used for 911 calling, and is a Pulaski County initiative with the financial assistance of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

"Student of the Month" certificates were presented to Elijah DeMoss at the elementary school level, Taylor Tiede at the middle school level, and Sarah Fox at the high school level.

Principal Reports:

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported to the board that congratulations are in order for the 28 total new members of the National Honors Society and National Junior Honor Society. He thanked Mrs. Kennedy, the NHS sponsor, and Ms. Durie, the NJHS sponsor.

The middle school play, Hurry Up and Wait, will be performed on Friday, April 8.

West Central students and teachers are preparing for the Hoosier North Athletic Conference English and Math competitions. The math competition is Wednesday, April 20 and the English competition is Thursday, April 21.

On April 28, Tri-County High School will host the Vocational/CTE Banquet. Vocational teachers will be honored for their hard work, time, and effort at the banquet. West Central is proud to host programs in Health Occupations, welding, mechanical drafting, architectural drafting, Introduction to construction, Graphic Imaging and Design, ICE, Internship, Accounting, Introduction to Business, Anatomy, Child Development, and Advanced Child Development. Starting this year, West Central has introduced a CNA class. Upon completion of the CNA program, West Central students have the opportunity to obtain a CNA license prior to graduation. In the near future, West Central is exploring Introduction to Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing.

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra informed the board that the elementary school completed its 2016 Kindergarten Roundup, welcoming 44 new kindergarten students to West Central for the 2016-17 school year. The school would like to thank the Lions Club, who brought in a special vision screener to expedite the vision screenings during roundup.

The Book Fair runs from April 4-8. This year’s theme is “Feelin’ Groovy.”

On Friday, April 8 students who made their March Accelerated Reader Goal will get their ice cream treats.

Mobile Dentist will visit the school on April 11.

The elementary school thanks Mike McKay for organizing last month’s “All Pro Dad” gathering at the elementary school. Over 40 dads were present. The next meeting is at 7 a.m., April 12, in the elementary library.

Progress reports will go home on Thursday, April 14.

ISTEP+ testing will begin the week of April 25 and will carry through until the end of the month.

To finish off the month, Title I’s Muffins with Mom will occur on Friday, April 29.