Superintendent Don Street provided information to the board about the drug Fentanyl and also about the state-wide opioid overdose epidemic. He informed the board that schools are now allowed to administer Narcane, the overdose reversal drug, with proper training and paperwork.
Street reported to the board that area school corporations will be discussing sharing of difficult teaching positions via distance learning in the future, due to lack of teacher candidates.
West Central athletic director Wes Allen and middle/high school principal Pat Culp shared information with the board about the school system's new athletic website: www.westcentralathletics.com. Visitors to the site may find rosters, schedules, and sign up for alerts to each sport.
Street shared data from Nathan Origer, director of Pulaski County CDC, about the positive results of the RAM-Tech course that Mr. DeMoss is teaching.
The superintendent reported the PACE board is continuing to explore pre-school education.
Street said the Indiana Department of Education is appealing to the federal government on recognized diplomas. The federal government will not recognize a general education diploma in the future.
The board approved a list of professionals who will oversee the security entrance and utilization-of-space projects. The list includes:
- H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, Certified Public Accountants LLP
- Barton-Coe-Vilamaa
- Ice Miller LLP
- Edward P. Dumas, Esq. and Bonnie Coleman Esq. of Hodges and Davis, P.C.
The board also approved the resolution of intent to reimburse expenditures for the projects. If the West Central School Corporation pays any preliminary costs related to the projects prior to receiving bond proceeds, it may reserve its ability to be reimbursed from bond proceeds after the closing.
The board voted to approve 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 1 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 2018 School Budget, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan, as presented.
The school board was informed that 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 to use another day that school is not in session. An internet availability survey will be conducted with students to determine which option would be used if necessary.
The school board approved the first reading of the Criminal History Information-Applicants and Contractors, Criminal History Checks-School Employees, Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect, Transfer Students, and Teacher Appreciation Grants. There will be a second reading at the next board meeting in September.
The board voted to approve the employee contracts for the Cooperative School Employees.
The board reviewed the evaluation plans for certified employees.
Personnel Items:
The board voted to employ the following individuals, as presented:
- Sharon Adams – Elementary Music
- Ashley Burge – Chemistry Teacher
- Shane Pack – High School Art
- Sara Strus – Middle School Science
- Jill Rohrer – Long Term Substitute
- Carmella Miller – Custodian
- Mike Ledford – Mini Bus Driver
- Dayna Armstrong – Cooperative School Services
The board approved the resignation of custodian Cecil Dodson.
Approval was given for a leave of absence for teacher Lorie Zellers.
Transfer requests were approved for biology teacher Jennifer Istre and guidance instructional assistant Deb Nedza.
Discussion Items:
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that registration took place Monday, July 31 and Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Twenty-six new students registered for the school year and joined the West Central family.
Meet the Teacher Night for students in elementary school will be Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 6 to 7 p.m., with the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
The grounds and building have been thoroughly cleaned over the summer, and new mulch has been added to the playground areas.
West Central teachers spent Wednesday, Aug. 2, with an on-site trainer learning how to best utilize the new online science textbook and curriculum.
The board reviewed the electricity production of the wind turbine.
Work Session:
The West Central School Board also held a work session Aug. 3. The work session was held to go over the 2018 School Budget, Capital Projects Plan and the Bus Replacement Plan.
