EPCS Board approves 10-point grading scale

The buildings have had discussions on the proposal, with input from area schools as well as from teachers and administration, to put EPCS students on a more level playing field. The board was told most area schools are on a 10-point scale (90, 80, 70, etc.).

Foster said if the grading scale was changed, there would not be much change at the middle school and high school. However, the elementary school would see a few changes. The trend is to go with a straight 90, 80, 70, etc. scale.

Discussion ensued considering what other schools are doing and following suit and keeping all grading scales for all buildings the same as well as doing more research. After discussion, the board voted 6-1to change the grading scale for all three buildings to the 10-point scale, as presented. Board member Mike Tetzloff voted in opposition.

In other business, the school board approved the following personnel items:

Middle school teacher Margaret DeWitt submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mrs. DeWitt has been with Eastern Pulaski Schools for 39 years and in teaching for 43 years.
Middle school teacher Jamie Estok submitted her resignation. She has taken a similar position at a different school. Mrs. Estok was with Eastern Pulaski Schools for two years.
Toni Day was recommended to fill the elementary school teaching vacancy left with the retirement of Janis Miller in June. Teacher Ann Wilcox will move to fifth grade, Dana Field to first grade and Mrs. Day will join the fourth grade team. Teachers Terri Jewell and Emma Kiser will join the middle school, teaching primarily math with a section of social studies and English/Language Arts respectively. Miss Kiser has most recently been teaching at West Central Middle School. Mrs. Jewell has most recently been a campus administrator and teacher at The Crossing Education Center in Reynolds. Both individuals came highly recommended. Teacher Ron Nies will move to science.
Jenny Wallace was recommended for the open special needs bus driving route to Logansport, after Cindy Koepkey retired. Mrs. Wallace has most recently been the assistant on the route and will be a good fit for the position.
Bus driver Toni Hansen submitted a special leave request for Aug. 18-25 to join her daughter for a mission trip.
Administrator contracts for principals Rick DeFries, Ryan Dickinson, and Jill Collins, and athletic director Bill Ball were presented for approval with a one-year proposed extension and a 1% increase in compensation.
Contracts for Rick Green and Mick Armstrong were presented for approval with a one-year proposed extension and a 1% increase in compensation.

Foster presented a request to donate a bench in memory of teacher Dave Kroft. The Kroft Family asked the bench to be placed by the football field. After discussion, the board voted to accept the donation.

Foster presented the first reading on proposed changes to the Classified Employee Handbook and a New Transportation Handbook. Editorial changes were made to the Classified Employee Handbook along with leave days and clarification of those days. The proposed New Transportation Handbook will specify job duties and expectations.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending June 30. All corporation funds have positive balances and on track with previous years. The claims were presented as well. After discussion, the board approved all claims as presented.

Foster reported on the following:

A meeting will be held July 14 with the renovation project manager, giving an update of the Building Project. Foster discussed progress to date.
Start of School information was shared. New students may enroll July 29 and Aug. 1. Returning students will register from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3.
Due to Meet the Teacher night being scheduled for Aug. 8, the school board meeting will be moved to 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 8.

Board Comment: The Kroft family was thanked for their donation. There were many positive comments for having the Independence Day Fireworks at the school. Mrs. Dewitt and Mrs. Estok were thanked for their years of service. Mrs. Day, Mrs. Jewell, and Miss Kiser were welcomed. The leadership councils were commended for their work on the grading scale.