Superintendent Don Street shared that West Central Cafeteria is offering the Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) which was created to serve nutritious meals to children when National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available. The purpose is to ensure all children receive proper nutrition throughout the year. The meals are being provided during summer school and will be offered in Medaryville and Francesville during their respective community reading programs.
Street reported that planning continues for the secure entrance and utilization of space project with the architects, bond counsel, and financing organization.
The board was informed that teacher Marilyn Bernal was recognized as a finalist for the Indiana Rural Teacher of the Year. The board extended its congratulation and appreciation to Mrs. Bernal for being recognized as one of the best teachers in the state.
The board also congratulated Mason Franiak for having been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
Wes Allen presented a new Trojan logo (USC Trojan head). He explained that all varsity coaches had no concerns with the new Trojan logo and proceeded in implementing its use throughout the athletic department. Over the years, several WC Trojan logos have been used, and Allen presented a sampling of the logos seen throughout and around the campus. The new logo prints and embroiders much easier than past logos and has been used for the WC Athletic Boosters Club, coaches shirts, and on other various apparel. Audrey Kroft was in attendance and stated she much preferred the profile Trojan on the cushion mat in the gymnasium. The board expressed its appreciation to Allen for communicating this proposed change and acknowledged the logo has changed several times over the 50 year history of West Central, with the most prominent Trojan logo being the profile view. If a different look from the current profile Trojan logo, which is displayed on the west side of the school, is to be adopted, a school community committee will be established to gather a broader based opinion.
Street shared the requirements for the Paid Lunch Equity requirements for the 2017-18 school year. He also reported the custodial staff has started several summer projects.
Personnel items:
The board accepted the following resignations as presented:
- Cheryl Bechinski – Cafeteria
- Susan Jungels – Bus Driver
- Stephanie Thilges – Sunshine Society
- Toni Weltmeyer – Cooperative School Services
- Sarah Pfeifer – Cooperative School Services
The board approved the following transfer as presented (with board member Jeff Lowry abstaining):
- Kasey Lowry – Title 1/Resource Teacher
The board voted to approve the following employment as presented (with board member Mandy Sharpe abstaining):
- Michael Holle – Assistant Football Coach
- Ross Davis – Assistant Football Coach
- Kelly Dickensheets – Varsity Volleyball Coach
- Shannon Fritz – Middle School Volleyball Coach
- Rebekah Erb – High School Cross Country Coach
- Jeremy Glasford – Assistant Cross Country Coach/MS Cross Country Coach/Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
- Kenny Nielsen – Varsity and Middle School Head Wrestling Coach
- Jason Wall – Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach
- Tyson Mellon – JV Girls Basketball Coach
- Marlana Lewark – Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
- David Allen – Varsity Baseball Coach
- Ralph Sharpe – Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach
- Shelby Powell – Assistant Varsity Softball Coach
- Kelsey Erb – Varsity Cheerleading Coach
- Amanda DeVries – Cooperative School Services
- Cindy McDonald – Cooperative School Services
The board approved the following conference request as presented:
- IYI College and Career Conference – Marci Kennedy, Indianapolis
The board approved the following field trips as presented:
- High School Band and Choir – Six Flags Great America, Music in the Park – Heather Straus – Gurnee, IL
- FFA – Purdue – Shaw Haselby – Lafayette
The board approved the second reading of the Board Policy Manual addition, Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for bus drivers.
The board approved the Keystone Consulting Contract as presented. Keystone is the corporation’s budget and software company.
The board approved the school meal and milk pricing for 2017-18. The meal and milk prices will not have an increase from last year.
- Elementary breakfast - $1.10 Elementary lunch - $1.95
- Middle/High breakfast - $1.25 Middle School lunch - $2.40 High School lunch - $2.45
- Reduced breakfast - $.30 Reduced lunch - $.40
- Adult breakfast - $1.55 Adult lunch $3.35
- Milk price - $.40
The board voted to approve the Student Transfer Enrollment request dates and capacity per grade level. The information will be posted on the web-site.
The board voted to approve the administrator contracts for West Central as presented.
The board approved a resolution granting approval for the school board members and superintendent to participate in professional growth opportunities during the 2017-18 school year. This will consist of conferences and workshops sponsored by the ISBA and IAPSS as well as worthy organizations.
The board approved the Indiana Department of Education 2017 Technology Survey/Plan as presented.
Principal Reports:
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that about 20 volunteers spent the day remaking the front and back elementary school landscaping. The PTC received a $5,000 grant from Lowe’s to cover the cost of the materials, and five employees from Lowe’s also came to supervise the design work and assist with the installation. Lowe’s donated landscaping tools, US Aggregates donated a load of limestone, Girtz Industries donated landscaping ornamentation, and the North Central Coop lent a water trailer to ensure the new vegetation receives proper hydration. The elementary school expresses its sincere appreciation for all who helped.
The summer extended studies program began on Tuesday, May 30 and will finish with a pool party on Thursday, June 8. Over 50 West Central students are participating in various reading, math, and STEM activities to further their learning over the summer. Additionally, the Title I Book Mobile is making its rounds around the community to families that signed up for free book delivery. The Pulaski County Public Library, along with Title I Funds and the PACE Grant are making the distribution of these books possible.
Summer Swim Lessons will be offered June 12-23 and July 10-14. There are still openings for more students. The sign-up sheets are available on the elementary website. The pool is offering several other summer swim activities during the day for adults, as well as having the pool open swim hours from 6:30-8:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The pool will shut down for summer maintenance from June 26 through July 7.
Middle/high school principal Pat Culp informed the board that summer school in the high school has started and is off to a terrific start. Several students are working diligently on courses in preparation for the 2017-18 school year. Thanks to the instructor Mrs. Stout, Mrs. Murray and the kitchen staff, and the bus drivers for the time and effort to help our students be successful.
Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel are again operating the Book Mobile this summer.
The high school band performed at Six Flags on Saturday, June 3. The band practiced additional hours in preparation of the performance. A huge congratulations and good luck was extended to Ms. Straus and the high school band for their Six Flags trip.
