Superintendent Dan Foster explained that school corporations need to comply with state law (IC 20-26-11-32) Transfer Tuition, as to whether they want to accept transfer students (students living out of the district). Each school corporation needs (1) to agree to accept transfers, (2) to set a number of transfers that will be accepted, and (3) set the end date for transfers to be accepted. If the number of transfer requests exceeds the established capacity, the school would need to have a “lottery” selection for transfer requests at a public meeting.

In the past, the EPCS board has taken action not to charge for transfer tuition if the individual student is enrolled by the September count date. Foster recommended to continue to accept transfers for the 2016-17 school year, but to set March 1, 2017, as the cutoff date to accept transfers and to set the capacity to accommodate the EPCS facilities at the following numbers: Elementary School – 740, Middle School – 350, High School – 460. After discussion, the board voted to continue to accept transfers for the 2016-17 school year, to set the enrollment date at March 1, 2017, and to set the capacity as per Foster’s recommendation.

Foster recommended purchasing Pearson math textbooks for adoption beginning next school year, per the recommendation of the elementary school adoption committee. The middle school and high school are keeping the current textbooks they have as per their adoption committee, with other technology and supplemental material. After discussion, the board voted to accept the recommendation.

The school board voted for textbook rental fees to remain at $100 ($95 for textbooks and $5 for handbooks) for Kindergarten through Grade 6 and $105 for 7th grade, 8th grade and high school for the 2016-17 school year. The extra $10 for high school students is a technology fee.

Personnel:

a. Two Summer School Classes and contracts were presented for approval — high school physical education with instructor Kyle Johnson, and high school blended learning economics with instructor Kevin Zupin. Karen Butler and Elaina Sutton are the instructors for the Warrior Academy. Foster stated that the classes usually have sufficient enrollment and recommended the classes be offered with the proposed instructors. Enrollment continues for all classes.

b. Foster presented the 2016-17 Extra Curricular Positions listing. The listing includes athletic coaches, academic coaches, and sponsors. After discussion, the board voted to approve all classes and positions as presented. (See coaching staff for 2016-17 below)

Foster recommended continuing with the Title I and High Ability Grant Programs as in the past. After discussion, the board voted to accept the programs.

Valedictorian Madeline Murray and her parents Tim and Joan Murray, and Salutatorian Emily Downing and her parents, John and Denise Downing were recognized by the school board. Principal Rick DeFries highlighted the students’ academic records. He added that the two students were truly positive role models for the entire student body. Madeline and Emily shared their plans for the future.

Spotlight on student learning: High school students Brittany Fox, Jacob Conner, and Vince Watkins, from teacher Braden Julian’s high school science class, presented their research projects. The projects were originally completed for the Indiana Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, set for March, but the event was cancelled. The students gave detailed reports on their yearlong research.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending April 30. All funds had positive balances.

In other business:

After discussion, the board approved the elementary school and high school 2016-17 student handbooks, as presented. The board approved the middle school handbook with the same discipline clause (fighting) as the high school handbook

The final reading and approval on the following proposed policies was presented: School Board Policy Sections 616 – Collection and Forgiveness of Debt, Policy 616 – Internal Controls, and Policy 617 – Criminal Gangs and Criminal Gang Activity in Schools. After discussion, the board voted to approve the policies, as presented.

Principals Jill Collins, Rick DeFries, and Foster (for Ryan Dickinson) shared end-of-year activities from their respective buildings. Field trips, final assessments, awards programs, concerts, and athletic events were shared.

Due to conflicts, the June board meeting is scheduled for June 20 by board consensus.

Foster reported on the following:

• The Valedictorian, salutatorian and students and staff were all commended for another great school year, along with the presenters from the Symposium.

• Projects: At the high school there has been a lot of in work in locker rooms and the high school office.

• The Academic Honors Program last Saturday was very good.

• May 24 is the last student day of school. May 25 is the last staff day, along with the annual corporation breakfast at 8 a.m., at the elementary school.

• Graduation will be at 7 p.m., Friday May 27.

• Superintendent Foster, Rick DeFries, and Karen Butler have been selected to present at the Rural Education National Forum Convention and Research Symposium Oct. 13-15, at The Ohio Union in Columbus, Ohio. They will report on the Warrior Academy at a session entitled: Create an Alternative School within Your School.

• There have been several cancellations of athletic events due to weather. Some events may be taking place on Wednesdays.

During board comment the Murray family and Downing family was commended. The student presenters were commended along with the textbook committee.

 

Winamac Coaching Staff: 2016-17

 

Sport/Level                      Name                     Years of Experience

FOOTBALL

Head Football                    Tim Roth                           35

Assistant Football              Maury Kasten                   8

Assistant Football              Josh Burgess                    5

Assistant Football              Brandon Burgess              8

JV Assistant Football         Tim Reutebuch                  7

Middle School Football       Quest Fritz                        0

Middlt: School Football       Kullen Day                        0

Middle School Football       Tyler Katschke                  1

Middle School Football       Jason Shidler                    0

Volunteer Coach

 

VOLLEYBALL

Head Volleyball                 Lisa Guzman                    1

JV Volleyball                     Wendy Hinz                      1

8th grade Volleyball           Regina Martin                   1

7th grade Volleyball           Nicole Olds                       0

 

CROSS COUNTRY

Varsity Girls Coach            Adam Bennett                   12

Varsity Boys Coach           Adam Bennett                   8

Volunteer Coach               Mike Haschel                    4

MS Girls Coach                 Taylor White                     1

MS Boys Coach                Kim Burgess                    16

 

SOCCER

Varsity Coach                   Chad Burton                     1

Assistant Coach

Volunteer Coach

 

CHEERLEADING

Varsity Coach                   Jennifer Goodman             9

MS Coach                         Melissa Newman               2

 

GIRLS GOLF

Varsity Coach                   Scott Roudebush               7

 

BOYS GOLF

IVarsity Coach                  Scott Roudebush               7

 

WRESTLING

Head Coach                      Cody Hook                        1

JV Coach                          Guy Rugg                         5

Volunteer Coach

MS Head Coach                Kullen Day                        4

MS Assistant Coach          Barry Day                         3

Volunteer Coach

 

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Head Coach                      Jeff Wagner                      5

Assistant Coach                Lisa Guzman                    5

8th grade Coach               Jordan Brandt                   1

7th grade Coach               Kari Johnson                     7

6th grade Coach               Stephanie Smith                4

 

BOYS BASKETBALL

Head Coach                      Kyle Johnson                    5

JV Coach                          Kole Kroft                         2

Freshman Coach

Volunteer Coach               Paul Miller                         5

Volunteer Coach               Mike Malchow                   5I

Volunteer Coach               Jason Shidler                    1

8th grade Couch               Alan Huggler                     2

7th grade Coach               Craig Barr                         0

6th grade Coach               Kari Johnson                     5

Volunteer Coach               Mike Luckey                      4

 

BASEBALL

Head Coach                      Don Howe                         2

JV/Assistant Coach         Donnie Howe                    2

Volunteer Coach               Luke Ingram                     1

Volunteer Couch

 

SOFTBALL.

Head Coach                      Jennifer Belcher                10

IJV Coach                         Danna Sommers               4

Volunteer Coach               Stephanie Smith                4 :

Volunteer Coach               Courtney Brandt                1·

 

GIRLS TRACK

Varsity Head Conch           Adam Bennett                   9

Assistant Coach                Brandon Burgess              8

Volunteer Coach               Mike Haschel                    3

MS Coach                         Kim Burgess                      4

MS Coach                         Taylor White                     1

MS Volunteer Coach         Sara Popejoy                    0

 

BOYS TRACK

Varsity Head Coach           Jeff Beach                        28

Assistant Coach                Guy Rugg                         4

Assistant Coach                Andy Stepp                       3

MS Coach                         Kullen Day                        18I

MS Coach                         Cody Hook                        1I

  
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Local News Briefs

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

Yakym district staff to hold local mobile office hours May 7 in Medaryville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has announced that his staff will hold mobile office hours in Pulaski County May 7, in Medaryville.

Yakym’s mobile office will visit throughout Indiana's Second District in May to assist constituents with casework questions.

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists programs, activities for April

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for April. They include a celebration of National Library Week, a kids’ caring for the environment program, a Ladybug Welcome Sign craft, and an Earth Day craft.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

  

Indiana News

Indiana State Parks offer free admission May 4 for ‘Welcome Weekend’

INDIANAPOLIS - Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties Sunday, May 4, the second day of “Welcome Weekend” and the opening day of Visit Indiana Week.

Find an Indiana State Parks property and what’s new there at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you’ve never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips. 

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546. 

2025 Indiana General Assembly: Bill Watch

Members of the Indiana General Assembly are working through proposed legislation on such topics such as education, health care, housing, property tax reform, responsible management of water resources, and much more. Gov. Mike Braun has now begun the process of signing passed legislation into law.

The 2025 legislative session runs January through April 29. This is a “long session” during which legislators will craft a two-year state budget. The status of bills under consideration, in both the House and Senate, may be viewed here: IGA | Bills for 2025 Session.  

 

Indiana Health News

Measles cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

Post News

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

Chamber presents Don, Lynn Darda with 2025 Halleck Award

The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Halleck Community Service Award to Don and Lynn Darda of Winamac at its annual award banquet Thursday evening (April 24), at the Winamac VFW.

The Dardas are both retired teachers in the Winamac schools and have been enthusiastic volunteers in a variety of projects throughout the years. 

Pulaski Superior Court appears saved

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24) – Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made to HB1144 approved by both the state house and senate Thursday evening in the Indiana General Assembly.

The legislation is now pending the approval of Gov. Mike Braun.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.

Community Foundation awards $15,000 in grants

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFoPC) has announced $15,000 has been awarded in grants to local nonprofits and community organizations.

The following projects and organizations have received funding:

  • $5,000 to Pulaski County Historical Society – “We’re Moving!”
  • $10,000 to Pulaski Memorial Hospital – for a Community Health Worker