The board approved the book rental fees for 2018-19 as follows:

  • Kindergarten $97.87
  • First Grade $128.86
  • Second Grade $124.64
  • Third Grade $124.71
  • Fourth Grade $112.33
  • Fifth Grade $115.15
  • Grades 6-12 will be determined by course selection

Textbook rental fees include the $15 tech fee.

The board voted to approve summer school and the required staff for elementary, special education, high school, driver education, and adult education. Summer school is funded by Title 1 and IDOE grants. Driver education and adult education are self-funded.

The board was informed that Mrs. Murray has provided dates for the summer feeding program that is funded by the state. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for summer school. Lunch will be provided at the Westside Community Reading Center and the Francesville-Salem Township Library on designated days.

 

Personnel:

The school board approved the retirement of school nurse Arlene Metzger.

Approval was given to the resignations of Amy Valade and Toni Weltmeyer, both from Cooperative School Services.

The board voted to approve the employment of Amy Anliker as the central office secretary.

A medical leave of absence was approved for Paige Anliker.

Field trip requests were approved as presented:

  • FCCLA National Conference – Stephanie Thilges
  • FCCLA-Six Flags – Stephanie Thilges

A conference request was approved for Stephanie Thilges to attend the FCCLA National Convention.

 

Additional Items:

The board voted to adopt the elementary music textbooks as presented.

The board voted to approve the first reading of the board policy manual revision regarding the sections on Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing Policy for Commercial Driver License (CDL) Employees, Reduction of Force Policy, Tobacco Free Environment Policy, and Student Evaluation Policy.

Board approval was given for the budget calendar for 2018-19 as presented.

The board was told the USDA Paid Lunch Equity Requirements have not been released. The recommendation for school meal pricing will be provided at a later date.

The board voted to approve the renewal of the student accident insurance plan with Student Assurance Services as presented for the 2018-19 school year.

Principals Dan Zylstra and Pat Culp explained the recommended changes in the student handbooks for the 2018-19 school year. The school board approved the recommended handbook changes as presented.

It was announced that letters will be sent to classified staff ensuring employment for the 2018-19 school year.

The board approved the Student Transfer Enrollment request dates and capacity per grade level.

Approval was given for the Indiana Department of Education Technology Plan/Survey, as presented.

The board approved a resolution authorizing the disposal of surplus personal property that has no market valued, as per Indiana Code 5-22-22-8.

As required by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, each school district is required to have a student homeless plan. The IDOE has provided assistance in developing the plan. The board voted to approve the Student Homeless Plan as presented. Lindsay Hopkins serves as the school's district liaison.

Student of the Month certificates were presented to Elizabeth Harris at the elementary school level and Angel Carrillo at the middle school level.

 

Superintendent's Report:

Street informed the board that West Central is participating with the Indiana Department of Education Indiana Course Access Program. The program provides on-line courses for students at a cost.

A professional development day will be conducted in the fall as the students participate in an e-learning day. As requirements change from the state the need for continued professional development is necessary.

Tuesday, May 8 is Teacher Appreciation Day. Appreciation is extended to the teaching staff for their dedication to the students.

The utility usage was shared with the board and the positive wind production with the wind turbine.

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrareported first grade students ate lunch with residents of Parkview Haven on May 3, culminating a year’s worth of reading activities into a celebration.

The Accelerated Reader/Math Facts Master contest will have its final prize room on Friday, May 4.

Friday, May 11 all fifth grade students will visit the Jasper County Airport for their second annual Aviation Day event, showcasing careers in aviation to students from districts in the area.

Field Day is May 17, and a new twist this year involves the PTC providing snow cones for students. The following day students will have their Accelerated Reader Movie Field trip, where students who earned their prize will see the movie “Wonder.” Fourth and fifth graders will have a Student Council sponsored kickball tournament on May 21, and awards day will be in the afternoon on the last day of school, May 23.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culpinformed the board that throughout the course of the school year, West Central seniors, Ryan Shepherd and Jerod Glasford, along with juniors, Brittany Gasaway Timmons and Ethan Shannon have served on the Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors. On Sunday, May 6, West Central students, along with students from Twin Lakes, North White, and Winamac, will be honored for their participation in this endeavor. The purpose of the Alliance Bank Junior Board of Directors program is to create leaders, encourage community involvement, provide knowledge about local employers, and further develop and keep local talent. Ethan and Brittany will continue to serve our local community next year. Ethan will serve as the treasurer for the junior board. West Central sophomores, Zane Kroft and Ryan Lynch will join Brittany and Ethan and the rest of the Alliance Bank team during the 2018-19 school year.

On Friday, May 11, the choir will perform a Spring Concert. The middle school and high school band will perform a Pops Concert on Friday, May 18. Along with the Pops Concert, a juried Art Show will also be held. Both performances will begin at 6:30 in the high school cafeteria.

On May 12, West Central students will board the Madam Carroll for prom. The theme for the prom is “Viva, Las Vegas!” The Grand March will start at 5 p.m., at Parkview Haven Retirement Center for those parents and community members who would like to attend. This year, a delicious, buffet-style meal from the Sportsmen will be provided to all students with the prom all on the Madam Carroll.

Senior Awards Night is scheduled for Monday, May 14 starting at 6 p.m., in the high school cafeteria.

Middle school students will participate on two incentive trips. The sixth grade will be camping at Camp Tecumseh on May 7-8. On Tuesday, May 22, those eighth graders and Life Skills who have earned a trip to Indianapolis will enjoy an Indianapolis Indians game.

The Class of 2018 will graduate on Sunday, May 27. Baccalaureate services will begin at 2 p.m. with Jeremy Glasford providing the message to the seniors. At 2:30, the commencement ceremony will begin.

  
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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

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

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 outbreak 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.