At last month's board meeting, Foster outlined possible responsibilities for the position, including student discipline and attendance, which could be similar in nature to that of an assistant principal.

Also at Monday's meeting, the board voted to extend the contracts of principals Jill Collins, Rick DeFries, and Ryan Dickinson to June 30, 2020.

 

Personnel Items

A. Retirement/Resignation:

Betsy Hintz, nurse, submitted her resignation to take a full-time position at the hospital. Mrs. Hintz has been with the school for seven years.

Bus driver Omer Smith submitted his resignation. He has been with the school for two years.

B. Employment/Transfers:

Alexsondra Haschel is transferring from a paraprofessional position at the elementary school to a full-time custodian position. Andy Stepp is transferring from a high school paraprofessional position to a middle school paraprofessional position. Josh Burgess is transferring from middle school English/language arts to middle school science.

Candace Anliker was recommended for middle school English/language arts. She most recently was an instructional assistant at Rensselaer and attended the University of Indianapolis and Indiana Wesleyan.

Alexis Craft was recommended for the high school paraprofessional position. She most recently was a substitute teacher at EPCS, beginning last school year.

Lacie Rans was recommended for the open bus driving position. She has been a substitute driver for the school system, beginning last school year.

The following athletic coaches were presented for approval: MS wrestling, Josh Attinger; freshman volleyball, Amber Despot; freshman boys’ basketball, Kendall Sadler; and girls’ volunteer basketball, Kyle Johnson.

The following elementary school leadership council members were presented for approval: Jackie Kiser, Susie Schultz, Kullen Day, Dana Field, Mandy Bennett, Maureen Garrity, and Beth Smith. Carol Dowling was approved as the elementary yearbook sponsor

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

 

Other Business

In other business, Dr. Brad Balch of Sycamore Educational Consulting presented the EPCSC Climate Audit Report. He shared a PowerPoint presentation on the strengths of the school corporation and provided suggestions to make it better. Dr. Balch explained that the audit is not an evaluation; it is a presentation of recommendations to improve. The strengths and weaknesses of each building were shared.

Foster presented the NIESC Food, Bakery, and Dairy Awards to ratify for the 2018-19 school year. The awards were given to Gordon Food Service, Aunt Millie’s Bakery, and Prairie Farms. After discussion, the board voted to approve the awards as presented.

Foster stated that School Food Authorities must be reviewed a minimum of once every three years. Eastern Pulaski Schools was reviewed in March of 2018 and recently received its findings. During the audit, the only action needed is to "increase the adult breakfast price immediately" to $1.29 (It is currently $1.25.). After discussion, the board voted to approve the price increase as presented.

The second reading of the following policies was presented for approval:

  • Policy Section 200.01/300.01/400.01 Criminal History Checks – School Employees
  • Policy 510 Medication Policy
  • Policy 515.3 Right to Inspect Certain Non-Academic Materials
  • Policy 622 Suicide Awareness and Prevention
  • Student Discipline Rules Addition (via Student Handbooks)

After discussion, the board approved the policies as presented.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending June 30. All corporation funds have positive balances. The claims were presented as well. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

Foster also reported on the following:

  • The school corporation won its rejection of the gym floor. The company will be here this weekend to redo it.
  • EPCS received approximately $34,000 from the School Safety Grant.
  • Foster will be working with the state department of education to develop a handbook for mentoring younger teachers.

Board Comment: Dr. Balch was thanked for his presentation, as well as Mrs. Hintz and Mr. Smith for their years of service.

  
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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.