Superintendent Don Street reviewed the progress of the summer projects. The fence project and elementary parking lot paving projects are complete. Replacing the original outdoor lighting with LED's is almost complete. The secure entrance and utilization of space project is progressing. The FFA continues to work on its greenhouse.

Street reviewed the Indiana Code changes with the school budget that will take effect January 2019. Schools will have an Education Fund that will be used only for expenses allocated to student instruction and learning. The Operations Fund will be used to pay non-academic expenses and consolidates the current Transportation Fund, Bus Replacement Fund, Capital Projects Fund, and General Fund operational expenses.

Street reported that West Central's 2018 property tax rate is in the lower 10 percent of Indiana school districts at 56.82 cents (on $100 of assessed valuation). Ninety percent of Indiana school districts have 2018 property tax rates over 69.37 cents.

The superintendent reported a competitive grant has been written for school safety.

The board was informed the wind turbine has had some repairs made in the past few weeks and will have an oil change in the coming months.

 

Personnel:

The board accepted the following resignations:

  • Jennifer Istre- Teacher
  • Melvin Wireman – Asst. Varsity Football Coach
  • Monica Gainor – MS Track Coach
  • Kathryn Heller – Cooperative School Services

The board voted to approve the following for employment:

  • Jenna Putt – Elementary Teacher
  • Penny DeLorenzo – High School Cafeteria
  • Pamela Pettet – Elementary Cafeteria
  • Kristen Mellon – School Nurse
  • Jennifer Johns – High School Student Council
  • Casie Allen - High School Student Council
  • Jeremy Glasford – Cross Country Head Coach
  • Adam Huber – Middle School Cross Country Coach
  • David Allen – Head Varsity Baseball Coach
  • Jake Podell – Co-Asst. Varsity Baseball Coach
  • Corey Howat – Co-Asst. Varsity Baseball Coach
  • John Murray – Asst. Varsity Football Coach
  • Ryan Howat – Asst. Varsity Football Coach
  • Corey Howat – Asst. Varsity Football Coach
  • Zephaniah Conley – Asst. Middle School Football Coach
  • Kenny Nielsen – Varsity Wrestling Coach
  • Jason Wall – Co-Asst. Varsity Wrestling Coach
  • Nathan Williams – Co-Asst. Varsity Wrestling Coach
  • Kenny Nielsen – Co-Middle School Wrestling Coach
  • Shane Pack – Co-Middle School Wrestling Coach
  • Jeremy Glasford – Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach
  • Kerry Nielsen – 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach
  • Travis Rodriguez – 7th grade Boys Basketball Coach
  • Drew Mellon – 6th grade Boys Basketball Coach
  • Jeremy Glasford – Asst. Varsity Track Coach
  • Laura Faler – Middle School Track Coach
  • Kelly Dickensheets – Varsity Volleyball Coach
  • Shannon Fritz – 8th grade Volleyball Coach
  • Jennifer Mellon – 7th grade Volleyball Coach
  • Tyson Mellon – JV Girls Basketball Coach
  • Alison Carnahan – 8th grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Mandy Bishop – 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Mandy Bishop – 6th grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Shelby Powell – Asst. Varsity Softball Coach
  • Jeremy Hauptli – Volunteer Asst. Varsity Softball Coach
  • Kelsey Erb – High School Cheerleading Sponsor
  • Alyssa McIlvain – Middle School Cheerleading Sponsor

Approval was given to the FFA field trip request from Shaw Haselby to Purdue in Lafayette.

Approval was given for the conference request from Jessica Murray to attend an Indiana School Health Network event.

 

Action Items:

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

The board voted to approve the school meal and milk pricing for 2018-19.

Elementary breakfast - $1.25; Elementary lunch - $2.20

Middle/High breakfast - $1.40; Middle School lunch - $2.65; High School lunch - $2.75

Reduced breakfast - 30 cents; Reduced lunch - 40 cents

Adult breakfast - $1.65; Adult lunch $3.50

Milk price - 50 cents

The board approved the course description guide additions as presented.

The board approved a recommendation that Wednesday, Sept. 26, be used as an eLearning Day. Teachers will prepare lesson plans that will be on-line and the students will be required to do eLearning at home. This eLearning Day will serve two purposes: to have the teacher and student practice eLearning and to also have the teachers involved in staff development during the day.

The board voted to approve the administrator contracts and bus driver contracts for West Central as presented.

The board approved the following resolution as presented: "Be it resolved that the members of the Board of School Trustees and the Superintendent of Schools are hereby granted approval to participate in professional growth opportunities during the 2018-19 school year. This will consist of conferences and workshops sponsored by the ISBA and IAPSS as well as worthy organizations."

Approval was given to the Head Start Agreement as presented.

Approval was also given to the Medaryville Preschool Agreement.

The board voted to approve the addition of the "Homework Policy" to the middle/high school student handbook.

Approval was given to the renewal of the secondary school agreement with Crossing National for the 2018-19 school year

The board approved Rita Carpenter to the Library Board of Pulaski County.

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra informed the board that the teachers and staff waved goodbye to students as they left on May 23 and had a productive half-day of work finishing up records.

Swimming lessons began Monday, June 4. The pool has a large number of out-of-district swimming students this year in addition to many students from within the West Central corporation. The pool will be closed for annual maintenance from June 25 through July 6.

Coach Stevens is running a summer basketball camp at the elementary school this first full week of June.

On June 21-22, the elementary school will host a training on Positive Discipline and Trauma-Informed Schools for both certified and non-certified staff.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culp shared that on Sunday, May 27, West Central School Corporation graduated the Class of 2018. Jeremy Glasford presented an excellent baccalaureate address to all the seniors. Graduation speeches were provided by Valedictorian Zoe Martinez and Salutatorian Joie Keyes. Zoe and Joie encouraged students in their future endeavors. Superintendent Don Street presented the diplomas to the seniors. Congratulations to the seniors and their parents on this milestone moment.

On Tuesday June 19, West Central High School will send student-athletes to the annual Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Student Leadership Conference at Plainfield High School. These individuals were nominated by their head coach with approval from the athletic director and principal. While at the Student Leadership Conference, individuals will have the opportunity to hear from more than 40 speakers on topics such as leadership, sportsmanship, commitment, and team building.

  
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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.