He said there has been discussion about this software for several months in-house, along with demonstrations, and several visits to other schools that have the software.

Foster said the current student management software, Harmony, and the current financial software, Komputrol, lack adequate support services and are basically outdated. Skyward would offer both student management and financial software in one “package.” Skyward has been in business for 30-plus years and is a nationwide company. It offers a time clock and paycheck delivery portion as well.

Discussion followed on what it would take to move to Skyward from Harmony and Komputrol and the cost, along with training. After discussion, the board voted to proceed with the purchase.

Spotlight on WCHS – Athletic Leadership Council: Senior Claire Collins, president of the Athletic Leadership Council, reported that the council started last year brainstorming ideas to get students more involved in sports, from participation to getting more student spectators at each sport. They are now promoting the ideas brainstormed from last year. Their goal is to promote school spirit, support each and every team, bring more participation to each sport, and give all teams recognition. Principal Rick DeFries stated that the future goals are to work on stronger leaders within athletics.

Under personnel items, Omer Smith and Karen Gourley were recommended for open bus driving positions. Also, Melissa Taylor, cook, has submitted her resignation. The board voted to approve the employment of Mr. Smith and Mrs. Gourley and to accept the resignation of Mrs. Taylor.

Richard Mynark submitted a request to be appointed to the Pulaski County Public Library Board. The school board voted to approve the appointment.

The board  approved a resolution to appoint Angie Anspach, treasurer, as the designee for small claims court.

Foster also reported on the following:

• The Body Safety Program, scheduled later in the week for students, will be a good experience for students. Maureen Garrity was thanked for coordinating this program.
• The building project punch lists continue. The biggest item left to do is doors for the kindergarten area. The auditorium stage floor is still being discussed.
• Potential projects are still being discussed for allowance money.
• Summer School and the School Safety Grant funds are coming soon.
• Laura Fred Smith was recently awarded a grant from the Area One Retired Teachers.
• Mr. Schuttrow was commended for another good fall play. The seating in the auditorium was discussed.
• The building project open house at the middle school/high school was discussed with a date of Nov. 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Everyone was thanked for their support during the building project.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all Corporation Funds had positive balances. The General Fund Comparison Statement showed 22.41% of the yearly appropriation remains. After discussion the board voted to approve all claims as submitted.

Principal Reports:

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on the following:

• The Archery Program is a three-week program and offers a great learning experience for students.
• The high school and middle school recently teamed together for an emergency drill practice day by putting together four drills in a row - a fire drill, a reverse evacuation drill, a lockdown, and a tornado drill. This is good practice in preparedness if an emergency occurs.
• Fall sports programs have finished up with the football team claiming a sectional title; a "neat way" to send off Coach Roth for his final season as head football coach.
• Winter sports programs are underway.
• Lisa Guzman has resigned as the varsity volleyball coach.
• Mr. Schuttrow was commended for a good fall play.
• There was a Veterans’ Day Program Friday, with Matt Garbison as the speaker.
• Twenty-six students will be inducted into the National Honor Society Nov. 14.
• There was discussion of making archery a competitive sport.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported on the following:

• During the emergency drill practice day the new phone app, School Guard, was used.
• Standards-based instruction takes place every day, but other enriching activities are also offered at the middle school. Junior Achievement has representatives in the middle school for the next six weeks. Last Monday was the end of another successful book fair. Eighth grade students will go to the Round Barn Theater in Warsaw to see a musical on Dec. 8. Sixth grade students will go to Purdue to see Rudolph on Dec. 2. And seventh grade students will take part in the Tech Fit Project again this year on Dec. 9. Science Olympiad is starting soon. The National Junior Honor Society is planning many events including a dance and helping with the building project open house. The Warrior Up Club and basketball are full swing.
• The high school was thanked for inviting middle school students to their Veterans’ Day Program Friday.
• Tom Murray recently spoke to students about his experience during the Korean War.
• A Body Safety convocation is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that the elementary school is creating well-rounded learning activities students.

• John Wheeler was the speaker at the Veterans’ Day Program. Students invited Veterans to the program, making it extra special.
• Last week grandparents were invited to the Family Literacy Night.
• The annual food drive brought in over 3000 items.
• “Make the Right Choice” convocation was last week.
•  A Body Safety convocation is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16, sponsored by the PTA.
• Next week the Fulton County REMC will do their annual presentation on electricity.
• Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Board Comment: Claire Collins was thanked for her presentation and the committee researching Skyward was thanked. The 26 students inducted into the National Honor Society were commended. The elementary school was commended for its food drive. The seating in the auditorium was discussed.