It was noted that most school buildings are designed for visitors to enter the school office before entering the building, and to limit access to the building.
In other business, Street informed the board that several Indiana small and rural schools are working collaboratively to inform the state legislature of the continued drop of funding for schools. All Indiana small and rural schools are being hurt financially as a result of the state financial formula.
The 2015-16 extracurricular fund report was reviewed.
The wind turbine production was reviewed. The wind in the summer months slows compared to the spring and fall.
The 2016-17 school year is the 50th year for West Central.
The board approved the following resignations.
- Emma Kiser – Language Arts
- Marsha Minkert – Art
- Jenna Wojdula – Band and Choir Director
- Brandi Kappes – First Grade
- Alexandra Shonk – Cafeteria
- Kelsey Erb – Life Skills Aide
- Kaci Kruger – Cooperative School Services
The following transfers were approved:
- Lindley Laposi – High School Language Arts to Sixth Grade Language Arts
- Jennifer Istre – Sixth Grade Science/Social Studies to Middle/High School Science
The board approved the following teachers from the reduction of force list.
- Lisa Baker – High School Language Arts
- Leanna Nielsen – First Grade
All teachers who were placed on the reduction of force list have been recalled.
The board voted to employ the following individuals as presented:
- Heather Straus – Band and Choir Director
- Natalie Dickinson – Art
- Josh Cooper – Sixth Grade Science/Social Studies
- Haley Givens – Second Grade
- Cylee Marlatt – Life Skills Instructional Assistant
- Bekah Erb – High School Cross Country Coach
- Mike McKay – Head Baseball Coach
- David Allen – Assistant Baseball Coach
- Ryan Howat – Middle School Football Coach
- Mike McKay – Middle School Assistant Football Coach
- Brian Pilarski – Head Softball Coach
- Shelby Powell – Assistant Softball Coach
- Samantha Pepples – Cooperative School Services
The board was given an update on school facilities: The parking lot has been sealed and coated, water pressure tanks have been replaced in the elementary and high school, security window coating has been added to several windows on campus, the gym floors have been cleaned and waxed, a new cooler was installed in the elementary cafeteria, new carpet has been installed in five classrooms, remaining carpets have been cleaned and shampooed, several rooms have been painted, light poles have been painted, floors have been cleaned and waxed, trees are being trimmed and removed, and computers have been cleaned and updated. The maintenance and custodial staff have worked very hard for the preparation for a new school year.
The board approved the Title I Grant as presented. Title 1, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), provides financial assistance to states and school districts to meet the needs of educationally at-risk students. The goal of Title I is to provide extra instructional services and activities which support students for the state’s challenging performance standards in mathematics, reading and writing.
The board voted to approve advertising the 2017 School Budget, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan as presented.
The Indiana Department of Education is offering an application for virtual option for inclement weather. Schools have the option to use the day school is missed or another day that school is not in session. If it is decided to utilize a virtual option, all built-in make-up days would be used first. A survey will be conducted later in the school year to determine the percent of students who have Internet at home.
The board voted to approve the Cooperative School Service Employment contracts for the 2016-17 school year.
Principal Reports
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that final preparations are underway for the 2016-17 school year at the elementary school. During registration, 27 new students enrolled. Online registration was offered for the first time. A number of parents chose to register completely online from the comfort of their own home. Over 30 students had their book rental paid through the online payment portal. On the whole it was a positive experience and improvements will be made for next school year.
Head Start is officially moved into the building. During the Head Start parent meeting Zylstra spoke with parents attending, many of whom were very excited they no longer had to drive to Winamac to participate in their child’s Head Start experience. Head Start’s first student day will be Aug. 24.
All K-5 staff at the elementary school took part in Ready Math training. A presenter from the company came to the school and guided the staff through the digital and print portions of the new program, which will greatly utilize the district’s IPADs and Chromebooks in the pursuit of greater math achievement.
The building will look great for Meet the Teacher Night, Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. The first student day is Aug. 10. That morning the students will gather for an all-school assembly in the gym to review expectations and kick off the new school year.
Middle/high school principal Pat Culpreported that the annual West Central Trojan Scholarship golf outing is Saturday, Aug. 13 at Moss Creek Golf Club starting at 1 p.m. Teams and sponsors can still participate by contacting Athletic Director Wes Allen. Golfers of all ages and abilities are welcome to play.
Extended School Year (ESY) for students and teachers has concluded. Chelsea Reed and her staff, Kelly Jackson and Shelby Powell, worked hard in preparation for ESY. During the two weeks of ESY, students from North White and West Central worked on various academic skills and community based instruction.
On Friday, Aug. 19, the student council is hosting the 18th annual pork-and-chicken dinner prior to the football game against LaVille. All are welcome come out and enjoy some delicious food and entertaining football.
Work Session
A work session was held prior to the regular school board meeting to go over the 2017 School Budget, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan.
