West Central Board sets school lunch, textbook fees

The school board was informed that, based upon information from the state/federal guidelines, meal prices must be raised. The board approved increasing the elementary lunch by five cents, the middle school/high school lunch by 20 cents with no increase in the student breakfast, and a 10 cent increase in the adult breakfast prices and a 60 cent increase in the adult lunch prices for the 2016-17 school year.

Textbook rental and fees were presented and compared to area schools. West Central’s textbook rental and fees are lower or comparable to other area school districts. The board voted to approve the book rental and fees for 2016-17 as follows:

Kindergarten $98
First Grade $119
Second Grade $120
Third Grade $120
Forth Grade $108
Fifth Grade $110
Grades 6-12 will be determined by course selection

In other business, the board learned that West Central has been approached about joining a conference with several former MidWest Conference schools. The board voted to give permission for the high school administration to pursue and join a new athletic conference.

Under personnel items, the board accepted the resignation of instructional assistant Kelly Zeltwanger, and of Emma Osterfeld at Cooperative School Services.

The board approved the employment of Alicia Cotner as corporation library/media specialist, and David Allen as corporation maintenance director. Following this action, school board president Allen read his resignation to the board, effective Friday, May 6, in order to accept his new position with the school corporation. (During the discussion and action on personnel matters, Allen recused himself from participation.)

Superintendent Don Street stated that on-line registration planning by the principals and office staff is continuing. Parents will be able to register at home or school using a computer. Textbook rental and fee payments may be mailed or sent to the school.

The board was informed the projected enrollment for next school year is 800 students.

Approval was given to the first readings of the board policy manual addition regarding: Collection and Forgiveness of Debt; Internal Controls; Criminal Gangs and Criminal Gang Activity in Schools; and the update for graduation requirements.

The board approved the budget calendar for 2016-17, as presented.

The board voted to approve the renewal of the student accident insurance plan with Student Assurance Services as presented for the 2016-17 school year.

Principals Pat Culp and Dan Zylstra went over the changes in the student handbooks for the 2016-17 school year. Afterward, the board voted to approve the handbooks.

The board approved the classified staff work memorandums, as presented. David Allen abstained from voting.

Approval was given to course recommendations to add the CCR Bridge: Math Ready course and FINITE Mathematics to the high school course description guide.

Textbook recommendations were approved by the board to adopt the math books, as presented. The elementary school is adopting IREADY Mathematics while the middle/high school will be adopting Big Ideas Mathematics: A Bridge to Success. Pre-Calculus will be adopting Pre-Calculus with Limits. Calculus will be adopting Calculus 9e. Finite Math will be adopting Finite.

The board voted to approve two Sunday performances for the middle/high school plays for the next school year on Sunday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 26.

Approval was given to the board meeting dates for 2016-17, as presented.

The board voted to appoint Andy Durham to the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library Board.

"Student of the Month" certificates were presented to Zackary Boehning at the elementary school, and Madison Woodward at the high school level. Deven O’Dell was not able to attend.

Superintendent Street reported the cafeteria will have breakfast and lunch available for elementary summer school students.

He also noted the staff recognition breakfast will be Wednesday, May 25.

Street shared an email with the board from a visitor complementing the efforts being made by Wes Allen, coaches, and volunteers on the baseball field.

Principal Reports:

Mr. Zylstra reported that the elementary school had another great turnout with Muffins with Moms. He thanked Mrs. Schlatter, the Title I Staff, and all the moms who came to make it a great occasion.

Also:

The elementary school completed all students’ ISTEP+ tests earlier in the week.
Friday, May 6 students will get their ice cream treats for meeting their April Accelerated Reader goal. The PTC’s Spring Port-A-Pit is on that same day.
West Central will host the annual Pulaski County Spelling Bee at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 11.
Field Day will be Thursday, May 19. The Accelerated Read Movie will be Monday, May 23, and the Awards Day Program will be Tuesday, May 24 on the students’ last day of school.
Much of the professional development time at the elementary schools has been focused on planning for the implementation of next year’s math adoption and some of the changes in scheduling in store for next year.
Summer school sign-up is underway. Summer school begins on Tuesday, May 31 and ends on Thursday, June 9.

Mr. Culp informed the board that the Middle School Ecology Club came in third out of eight schools for the recycling contest it entered through Northwest Solid Waste District. The third place finish earned a check for $1000.

Also:

The Math and English teams recently competed in the Hoosier North Athletic Conference competition. Students in grades 8-12 participated in the competitions. Both teams worked hard throughout the school year and completed the competition with fourth-place finishes.
Jennifer Johns recently nominated two students for the CTE 21 under 21, honoring student accomplishments in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Katie Isch and Courtney Troxel, both 2014 graduates, were selected for the 21 under 21 as well. This is the first time West Central students were honored in this way.
Businessman Don Good was thanked for funding books for the Health Occupations class next year.
Throughout the course of the school year, West Central students, Randi Nine, Braylin Balough and Cassie Wuethrich have served on the Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors. On May 1, West Central students, and students from Twin Lakes, North White, and Winamac, were honored for their participation in this endeavor. The purpose of the program is to create leaders, encourage community involvement, provide knowledge about local employers, and further develop and keep local talent. Braylin and Cassie will continue to serve the local community next year. West Central sophomores, Jared Glasford and Winston Leman will join them and the rest of the Alliance Bank team next year.
On May 6, the FFA will host the Spring Banquet at West Central.
Prom will be Saturday, May 14 at the Brandywine in Monticello.
Senior Awards Night is scheduled for Monday, May 16 starting at 7 p.m., at the high school cafeteria.
On Thursday, May 19, those 8th graders who have earned a trip to Indianapolis will enjoy an Indianapolis Indians game.
On May 25, the Wall Gang riders honoring the country's veterans will visit West Central again at approximately 10:15 a.m. The veterans will change the school's MIA/POW flag and meet anyone from the community wanting to thank the veterans riding. The Wall Gang rides across the United States culminating in Washington D.C. stopping at Veteran’s Homes, schools, and communities to thank veterans for their service. This year, 6th grade students made 50 “Thank You” cards to be distributed during the ride.
Baccalaureate services and graduation will be Sunday, May 29. Baccalaureate services will begin at 2 p.m., with Steve Birch sharing with students. Graduation will begin at 2:30 p.m.