Foster told the board help is needed with student discipline, attendance, and many other duties that take many hours to complete, including, but not limited to the corporation test coordination, assistance with supervision (lunch duty, parking lots, etc.), help with meeting state and federal requirements, help with school safety, and possibly help with teacher evaluations/observations, help with case conferences, and help with grants and curriculum.

Changes made in the middle/high school Media Center/Learning Center have resulted in an open position that could help fund the position of a new administrative assistant.

The board discussed the title of such a position, along with whether or not an administrator’s license would be required. After further discussion, the board voted to pursue and define the position.

In other business, Foster gave a financial report for the period ending May 31. The board approved all claims as presented.

Recent graduates James Terry and Kalei Rak were selected as the first and second alternates respectively for the Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation School Board Scholarship. Brandon Million is this year’s recipient.

Foster reported on the following:

  • The asphalt project is moving forward; the milling was finished June 8. Concrete is supposed to be done before the asphalt work, which was set to begin June 13. There was discussion on the curbing and the scope of the project.
  • There is no news on the gym floor, and the chiller is supposed to have one more “fix.”
  • Foster thanked Mr. Armstrong along with Mr. Lawson as 100 percent of the buses passed inspection.

 

Personnel:

A. Retirements/Resignations/Terminations

  • Middle school teacher Dr. Darlene Gordon submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Dr. Gordon has been with Eastern Pulaski Schools for 29 years.
  • Food service employee Linda Fritz submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mrs. Fritz has been with Eastern Pulaski Schools for 32 years.
  • Middle school instructional assistant Haley Stepp submitted her resignation to take a teaching position at North White.

B. Employment

  • Allison Stanton was recommended for the freshman English teaching position; coming from Twin Lakes, then Rushville the last few of years. Amy Budka was recommended for the senior and AP English teaching position, coming from experience at Oregon Davis and Knox.
  • Food service recommendations were made for Sherry Combs for a full-time position at the elementary school cafeteria, and for Nancy Schambers for a part-time position, also at the elementary school.
  • Middle school extra-curricular positions were recommended for:

Mrs. Marilyn Newman – Leadership Council
Mr. John King – Leadership Council
Mr. Cody Hook – Leadership Council
Miss Emma Kiser – Leadership Council
Mrs. Erica Richwine – Leadership Council
Mrs. Jamie Wenzler – Junior Honor Society

After discussion, the board voted to approve all personnel items as presented.

 

Action items:

The updated Student/Staff iPad Agreement was submitted for approval. Foster stated that dates and editorial changes/updates have been made, along with updating language to cover iPad case damage. After discussion, the board voted to approve the Student/Staff iPad Agreement as submitted.

Foster presented the resolution to dissolve the Logansport Area Joint Special Services Co-op (LAJSSC) agreement effective July 1, 2019. He explained that the dissolution of the group, the equipment, and working through the legalities of the dissolution has taken some time. Eastern Pulaski, Pioneer, and Caston are working together to form an agreement at this time. After discussion, the board voted to approve the resolution as presented.

Overnight/Out of State Field Trips:

  • Coach Craig Barr submitted a request for the varsity football team to attend a football camp at DePauw University in Greencastle from June 18-20.
  • Coach Jenni Belcher submitted a request for the varsity softball team to hold a camp July 9-11 at the Town Park and State.
  • Coach Cathy DeFries submitted a request for the varsity volleyball team to attend a camp at Olivet University July 18-21.

After discussion, approved the trips as submitted.

After discussion, the board voted to approve the following School Board Policies:

  • Section 521 – Student Fundraising
  • Section 619 – Crowdfunding
  • Section 620 – Relations with Special Interest Groups

Foster thanked the committee members working on the policies.

During board comment the following were commended: Dr. Gordon and the faculty for stepping up to take extra-curricular positions. Ms. Stanton and Ms. Budka were  welcomed.

  
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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.