Winamac hires Barr as new football coach

Barr returned to Winamac in the summer of 2015, and was hired that autumn as a high school science teacher. He served as an assistant coach that season under Tim Roth who retired this past season after 36 years as head coach. Barr will become WCHS's fourth varsity football coach.

Barr, 53, led Indianapolis Chatard to two state titles in 1997 and 1998. He later coached at Noblesville for nine years and at Madison-Grant for two seasons. He also served on the coaching staffs at Lawrence North, Mount Vernon and Guerin Catholic high schools. His teams have won several tournament championships. He is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University where he played quarterback, and earned his master's degree at IUPUI.

The school board voted 4-3 to hire Barr, with board members Deke DeMarco, Larry Beach and Mike Tetzloff voting in opposition.

In other business, Judge Mike Shurn administered the oath and seating of recently elected board members. Deke DeMarco, Beth Ruff, Terri Johnston, and Larry Beach were sworn in by vowing to always keep the educational needs of children first. Their term is for the period Jan. 1, 2017, extending to Dec. 31, 2020.

Board president Joe Cunningham initiated board reorganization for the period January through December 2017. Cunningham was re-elected president, with board members Mike Tetzloff and Larry Beach voting in opposition (Deke DeMarco was also a nominee). DeMarco was elected vice president, and Terri Johnston was elected secretary.

After discussion, approval was voted for board member compensation to remain the same as last year – $2,000, the legal limit.

The board voted to appoint Angie Anspach as corporation treasurer, Diana Hanselman, as deputy treasurer, and to set bonds for various positions as follows: $50,000 corporation treasurer, $25,000 deputy treasurer, $25,000 high school extra curricular treasurer, $5,000 middle school extra-curricular treasurer, $10,000 elementary school extra-curricular treasurer, $25,000 for the Lunch Express treasurer, and to add a $5,000 bond for administrators and a $25,000 bond for the athletic director.

The motion also included the 2017 school board meeting dates set for the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., and appointing Tim Murray as the school board attorney.

As per statute, conflict of interest forms were prepared for those individuals who are affiliated with entities with which the school does business –Joe Cunningham, Lori Cunningham, and Kelly Cunningham. The board voted to accept the conflict of interest forms as presented.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Dec. 31. All funds had positive balances, ending the year with 6.02% appropriation remaining. Foster answered questions about claims. After discussion, all claims were approved as presented.

Spotlight on WCMS – Counseling Sessions: In an effort to try to teach to the whole child, middle school counselor John King has begun special sessions with students to prepare them for college/career, helping them to be college/career ready. He is teaching students how to work well with others, how to meet deadlines and just being a good person as well as having good attendance, and following directions. He is also teaching them skills as to what employers expect, such as following directions, arriving at work on time, and successfully managing time. An important element for a school counselor is to work with students one-on-one, and also getting into each classroom.

The superintendent reported on the following:

The closing documents are being worked on for the building project, which will most likely be done by the end of January.
On Feb. 15 the Indiana Small and Rural Schools’ Association and North Central Indiana Superintendents’ Study Council will sponsor a joint legislative day in Indianapolis; board members were invited.
Last week Foster received an email from the Department of Education about ISTEP test taking times. Some students will be testing for 7 to 10 hours, which he believes is unacceptable. Foster contacted legislators and talked with State Sen. Ed Charbonneau about this issue. Foster reported Charbonneau agreed.
Foster is watching several state legislature bills - everything from background checks to graduation rate calculations to compensation models and restoring the Small Schools Grant. Foster said the school corporation is working with less funding per student than six years ago; this grant would be a welcome benefit.

Personnel

The board voted to employ the following:

Head Volleyball Coach - Cathy DeFries
Head Football Coach - Craig Barr

The board approved an unpaid leave request for elementary school instructional assistant Tara Terry.

The board voted to approve stipends for certified and classified employees, as presented.

Principal reports

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that teachers received IXL Training on Jan. 4. IXL helps with math and language arts, and he said it is a "great teaching tool."

NWEA testing began Jan. 9.

The Science Olympiad team will have its first competition Saturday, Jan. 14.

Seventh- and eighth-grade girls’ basketball and wrestling is starting and seventh- and eighth-grade boys’ basketball is ending.

Penny Wars is coming up, along with vision screening for eighth-grade students.

ISTEP preparation is beginning.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported that mid-year assessments are underway - NWEA and M-Class. These assessments provide immediate feedback to teachers which help to gage the rest of the year. She thanked all of the staff for their hard work.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on the new “catch up café” – an opportunity for students to make up missed work during lunch. High school teacher Laura Fred-Smith is helping with this opportunity.

The high school leadership team is encouraging teachers to make “positive calls” to parents on the positive things their students do. Mr. DeFries is also working on and sharing what he appreciates about his staff.

Monday, Jan. 16 is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a program is scheduled.

Jan. 18 is the second blood drive of the year.

Jan. 16-20, is Snowcoming week, sponsored by the student council.

The JV and Varsity boys’ basketball teams were commended for winning the Holiday Tournament.

Board Comment:Mr. King was thanked for his report. Mrs. DeFries was welcomed as the new head volleyball coach. Mrs. Heims was thanked for her service. Mrs. Ruff was welcomed. Mr. DeFries was commended for having teachers make positive calls to parents. The next ADM count date will be Feb. 3. Sheriff Richwine was thanked for having staff on campus.

Public Comment:Al Breyfogle commented on the board’s hiring of the new football coach. Tony Pesaresi asked for clarification about transportation policies. Cathy DeFries thanked the board for the opportunity to be head volleyball coach.