On May 13, teachers Leanna Nielsen (first grade), Lisa Baker (HS language arts) and Laura Stout (MS business) were given written notice of the preliminary decision of principals Dan Zylstra and/or Pat Culp to cancel their teaching contracts, effective at the end of the school year.
The teachers were advised of their right to a conference with the school superintendent should one be requested within five days of receiving the written notice of their principal’s preliminary decision. All three teachers declined a conference. According to state law, if a teacher does not request a conference, the principal’s preliminary decision is considered final. The three teachers are on a recall list for the 2016-17 school year.
In other business, the board voted to appoint Mandy Sharpe to the at-large school board seat for the remaining term left vacant by former school board president David Allen who recently accepted a full-time position within the school system. Bonnie Koebcke gave the oath of office to Sharpe.
By Robert’s Rules of Order, vice president Jeff Lowry will complete the term as school board resident. Todd Miller will become the board's new vice president, and Jim Bergens will service as secretary.
Superintendent Don Street presented tentative plans for West Central Schools' 50th Anniversary. The Class of 2017 will be West Central High School's 50th graduating class. A flyer highlighting several of the current programs and successes for K-12 is being created and will be mailed to residents in the area.
Congratulations were extended to the West Central Board of Education for being recognized as an Outstanding School Board by the Indiana School Boards Association.
The positive wind turbine production was reviewed by the board.
Personnel Items
The board approved the following resignations as presented:
- David Schultheiss – Elementary/Middle PE
- Adam Huber – Elementary – 4th Grade
- Ronette Messer – Instructional Assistant
The board accepted the retirement request of Darla Tanner who has worked in the West Central office for 35 years. She was thanked for her service to the school corporation.
The board approved the following employment, as presented:
- Shelby Powell – Life Skills Instructional Assistant
- Will Sensibaugh – High School Custodian
- Tonya Wall – Junior Class Sponsor
- Mike Harter – Driver’s Education Teacher
- John Bryant – Cooperative School Services
Approval was given to two leave requests:
- Susan Wall – Personal Leave
- Candace Hivley – Maternity Leave Cooperative School Services
Action Items
The board voted to approve the second reading of the Board Policy Manual additions, Collection and Forgiveness of Debt; Internal Controls; Criminal Gangs and Criminal Gang Activity in Schools; and the update for Graduation Requirements.
Board president Jeff Lowry opened the floor for public comments on contract between the superintendent and school board. The salary remains the same as 2015-16. As there were no comments, the hearing was closed.
Approval was given to the Keystone Consulting Contract as presented. Keystone is the corporation’s budget and software company.
The board approved summer school and the required staff for elementary, special education, and driver education. Summer school is funded for by Title 1 and IDOE grants. Driver education is self-funded by tuition.
The board voted to approve the Indiana Department of Education Technology Survey/Plan.
The board approved the Student Transfer Enrollment request dates and capacity per grade level. The information will be posted on the school's website.
The board voted to approve the Magic Writer Contract with Alliance Bank as the school corporation's on-line book rental payment program. The on-line payment program is a convenience for parents and not required for on-line registration. There will be a convenience fee for parents paying on-line.
Approval was given to the renewal of the Secondary School Agreement with Crossing National for the 2016-17 school year.
The board voted to approve the resolution authorizing authority to cease being the financial institution/local educational agency (LEA) for Special Education Cooperative effective end of business June 30, 2016.
The board approved a learning lab/alternative education program starting in the 2016-17 school year and to apply for possible grant opportunities. This will allow students an opportunity to retake courses in a non-traditional classroom and to take courses not currently offered.
Principal Reports
Elementary school principalDan Zylstrareported to the board that the elementary school had a fun-filled last week as students and teachers finished out the school year. Students had wonderful weather for Field Day. The Accelerated Reader Movie trip to the ISIS Theatre in Winamac went well. The awards day program completed the school year.
Summer school began on May 31 and will run through June 9. Students will celebrate its completion with a pool party after lunch on the last day. The school would like to thank Mrs. Schlatter and the Title I Department for working to organize summer school this year so students could have this extended opportunity for learning.
Looking ahead, Summer Swim Lessons will occur the weeks of June 13-24. Sign-up forms are still available on the pool’s web page, as well as other information about summer pool activities. The pool will be closed June 27-July 8 for yearly maintenance and cleaning.
Over the summer several rooms at the elementary will be getting the carpeting replaced, as well as other cleaning and maintenance needs. The school should be spruced up and ready to go in August when registration begins.
Zylstra also reported that the Doe-EE Report was completed. All districts were responsible for submitting a report to the state verifying the students whose scores would be included in the calculation for ISTEP+ accountability. Students who were enrolled in a school corporation for fewer than 162 days do not count against a school. The West Central Administration looked through the data and discovered there were 16 students in grades 3-8 who did not meet this requirement. This is a particularly high transiency rate for West Central.
Middle/high school principal Pat Culpinformed the board that on Sunday, May 29, West Central School Corporation graduated the Class of 2016. Steve Birch presented an excellent Baccalaureate Address to all the seniors. Graduation speeches were provided by Valedictorian Jerod Putt and Salutatorian Vanessa Murray. Jerod and Vanessa encouraged students in their future endeavors. Street presented the diplomas to the seniors. Congratulations to the seniors and their parents on this milestone moment.
On June 21, West Central High School will send students to the 13th annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Student Leadership Conference at Plainfield High School. These individuals were nominated by their head coach with approval from the athletic director and principal. While at the Student Leadership Conference, individuals will have the opportunity to hear from more than 40speakers on topics such as leadership, sportsmanship, commitment, and team building.
