A new stage floor in the socialtorium (now to be know simply as the "auditorium") was installed recently, as seen in this photo. The auditorium project will also include new seating, doors, wall finishes, carpet, general lighting, HVAC system, as well as expanded restrooms, ADA accessibility and relocated theater dressing, costume rooms.

The comprehensive renovation has included classroom improvements, restroom updates, new lighting and other infrastructure technology, plus secure entrances to all three schools; new carpeting, wall finishes and windows in many areas; new gym floors at the elementary and high schools; and significant updates to the socialtorium (now to be known as the auditorium) including a new stage floor, seating, relocation of dressing and costume rooms and new restrooms.

The cost of the project is being funded through a bond issue which succeeded an expiring bond issue from a previous school corporation building project.

At Monday's meeting, Superintendent Dan Foster gave the school board a current update on the project:

• Elementary School: fifth grade restrooms are being worked on and those classrooms are being painted along with new carpet. The floors in the first grade restrooms will be renovated Sept. 19 . The only thing left are the coatrooms. The projected completion date is scheduled for Oct. 20. There will likely be no allowance money left over at the elementary school for any additional work.
• Middle School/High School: There will likely be some allowance money left over for additional work. The projected completion date is also Oct. 20. There are some issues with the chiller at this time, but it is being worked on. The high school gym floor is to be stained Sept. 13. It is projected it will be usable beginning Sept. 27. The auditorium portion is in full swing and projected to be complete by Oct. 10.

Open houses for the public to view the completed projects are being scheduled for this autumn. To learn more about the project, click here.

In other business, Foster reported that the first reading on the "Reasonable Suspicion" school board policy was submitted and discussed at the August meeting. The policy would allow the administration to test a student if it feels the student may be under the influence of an illegal substance. After discussion, the board voted to approve the policy, as submitted.

Foster has likened the new policy to an "insurance policy" one hopes never to have to use, designed to further protect students, teachers and staff. School officials consulted with other school corporations, the Indiana School Board Association and legal counsel in developing the policy.

The superintendent gave an overview of the 2017 proposed budgets – General Fund, Capital Projects, Transportation, and Bus Replacement. Foster answered questions and offered background information. After discussion, the board voted to post the 2017 Budgets, as presented, which include the General Fund, Debt Service Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Transportation Fund, and Bus Replacement Fund.

Foster reported that as of Sept. 12, EPCS's ADM (Average Daily Membership - or headcount) is down 17 students from last year – now at 1,258. He recently met with state senate candidate Jim Harper voicing his concerns about school funding and other school related issues.

The superintendent opened a discussion on exterior lighting. Maintenance director Rick Green has met with different representatives to get quotes and discuss options. Discussion centered on the quotes, the cost, warranty, and replacing poles and fixtures. After discussion, the board voted to table the exterior lighting project to gather further information.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins introduced food service director Lenora Hoover who gave an overview of the improvements to the elementary school lunch program. There is now a serving line and salad bar on both sides of the cafeteria, which makes the traffic flow smoother. "Offer versus serve" has been implemented, drastically cutting down on waste. More fresh fruits and vegetables are being offered with many taking advantage of the salad bar and options. A birthday cake option, made with whole grain flour, has also been added. There has been positive feedback on the new options and Mrs. Hoover is always open to suggestions. Mrs. Collins thanked the Nazarene Church for offering their Refueling program to students.

Personnel:

• Elementary school instructional assistant Patti Bauer has submitted her resignation for other employment.
• Troy Haschel was recommended for the open instructional assistant position at the elementary school.
• Andy Stepp was approved for an open middle school football coaching position.
• Bus driver Tami Powell submitted a request for an unpaid special leave.
• Bus driver Vicki Pugh submitted a request for an unpaid special leave.

After discussion, the board approved all personnel items as presented.

Other items:

Lindsey Kozubik submitted a request to be appointed to the Kewanna-Union Township Library Board. After discussion, the board approved the appointment.

Out-of-State/Overnight Field Trips:

• FFA sponsor Tammy Halleck submitted an overnight field trip request to take FFA members to the National FFA Convention and Expo, in Indianapolis in October. This trip has been taken for many years and the students take home a good learning experience.
• High school student council sponsor Karen Butler submitted an overnight field trip request to take student council members to the state convention in Indianapolis in October. This has been a very positive experience for the students in the past.

After discussion, the board voted to approve the trips as submitted.

Foster noted the state fall school board conference will be in Indianapolis beginning Sept. 26. The fall regional meeting is Oct. 19.

A donation to Helping Hands from the Ladies of Charity (Good Samaritan) of $300 was received. They were thanked for their generosity.

Due to some funds being invested into CDs from the building project, over $12,000 has been collected in interest.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Aug. 31. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all Corporation Funds had positive balances. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that Friday is elementary school cheer night. Upcoming field trips include fourth grade going to the Trail of Courage in Rochester, Kindergarten going to McClure’s Orchard and third grade going to Prophets Town. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Sept. 19. The book fair opened this week. The PTA is sponsoring a hoe down dance on Sept. 23, in the elementary school gym.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that the middle school has had a good start. The new staff is doing well. A Math Connectivity class has been added this year. Enrollment is the same as last year. Leadership Council members have been meeting. TechFit will once again be implemented this year. IXL, an immersive learning program that provides comprehensive standards-aligned content for math and language arts, has been adopted.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the high school has had a good start. He thanked Mr. Green, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Burgess, the school board and the maintenance staff for all their help during the building project. Parent/Teacher conferences are on Sept. 19. Teachers are calling parents to set up appointments and offering group conferences.

During Board Comment the cafeteria staff was commended, along with Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Anspach. The Nazarene church was commended for their Refueling Program. Everyone was commended for their patience during the building project.

The board conducted a walking tour of the facility improvements prior to adjourning.