The approved project is a series of several individual paving projects across the school campus.

After discussion, the board also voted to approve the amended contract with Gibraltar Design for corporation-wide asphalt/concrete work, adding a credit for previous work to the contract.

In other business, the public address/bell system at the middle /high school is in need of replacement; it is working intermittently. The system was not addressed during the recent building project. Quotes from Fairchild and Presidio were reviewed. The board was told there are funds available for this project. After discussion, the board voted to accept the quote from Fairchild for a total of approximately $33,312.

Spotlight on WCHS - Athletic Internship Course: Athletic director Bill Ball presented the aspects of the course, which is for juniors and seniors only. Mrs. White is the teacher of record and gives the students rubrics and grades them accordingly for this credit class. The students are in charge of maintaining the athletic website which includes writing stories and posting pictures and keeping the site up-to-date. They are also responsible for team rosters, filing, helping to set up for games and special events, inventorying and ordering for concessions, and research. Currently, seven students are enrolled in the course this year.

 

Personnel

Resignation/Retirement/Termination:

  • Kim Lowry, Elementary School Food Service, submitted her resignation. Mrs. Lowry has been at the elementary school for 25 years.
  • Bus driver Pam Wank submitted her resignation.
  • Alison Clauson was recommended for the open elementary school instructional assistant position, replacing Nancy Huggler who resigned in December.
  • Chris Graves was recommended for the open bus driving position, replacing Pam Wank
  • Leave Requests:
  • Linda Fritz, Elementary School Food Service, submitted a request for an unpaid special leave, Jan. 15-19.

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

The second reading of School Board Policy Section 618 – Social Media was presented for approval. After discussion, the board voted to approve the second reading.

Superintendent Dan Foster stated that compensation was recently adjusted for several positions, but did not include licensed substitute teachers. He recommended that the substitute teacher rate for licensed teachers be increased an additional $5 to $70 for the first 20 days and $85 thereafter. After discussion, the board approved the substitute teacher pay (for licensed teachers) as presented.

The Varsity Wrestling team submitted an overnight field trip request to attend semi-state and state competitions. After discussion, the board approved the requests for the varsity wrestling team to attend semi-state in East Chicago and state finals in Indianapolis overnight as presented.

Foster reported on the following:

  • ISRCA/NCISSA Legislative Day will be Feb. 13 in Indianapolis. He invited several legislators.
  • Legislative Session – Many bills being watched right now, including a minimum wage bill and many education-type bills.
  • Grant – The Rural and Low Income Schools Grant was recently submitted. The grant was written for equipment and programs for students and community.
  • The Graduation Rate was released last Friday. The state average was 87.2%; Eastern Pulaski’s was 92.4%.

 

Principal Reports:

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on the Curriculum Mapping for Spanish. Discussion followed.

The Warrior Academy is being utilized and is growing.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program recognizes students and staff, as well as community members (Due to weather the program was postponed until Tuesday, Jan. 16.)

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported on the following:

The end of the first semester went well.

For Professional Development on Jan. 3, staff worked with Norman Webb’s Depth of Knowledge book and several teachers also participated in Nearpod training, and a math textbook adoption presentation. NWEA Training took place recently, helping teachers better utilize the results of the tests.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported on the following:

Professional Development in January focused on helping to better understand the needs of the students and their challenges.

Mid-year assessments are underway.

She also reported on upcoming activities.

 

Board Comment:

 The athletic department was thanked for spearheading the internship class. Mrs. Alison Clauson was welcomed. Robotics competition was discussed. Mrs. Collins was commended for the recent Professional Development day.

  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us. 

  

Indiana News

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles out break in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.