Supt. Dr. Robert Klitzman told the board that some of the issues Bennett discussed included collective bargaining, charter schools, vouchers, the funding formulas, the evaluation instrument, the growth model, school-teacher-principal accountability, teacher certification and more.

Klitzman said Bennett is in favor of charter schools being more accountable for student performance, and he is also in favor of school choice which means tax dollars following students wherever they choose to go to school.

In his legislative report to the board, Klitzman repeated that school choice is highly supported by Bennett and Gov. Mitch Daniels, saying that their concept is for public dollars to follow the kids no matter what type of school they attend. Klitzman stated his belief that public money should go to public schools, because there is not enough funds "to support everything, so if public money goes to private schools, there will be less for public schools."

In other business, the board approved a pilot program for the 2011-12 school year which would offer high school students the option of completing a traditional  physical education class or instead successfully participating on two different athletic teams (seasons) in the same school year. This proposal was discussed by the board last year, and after further study by school officials and PE teachers, it was agreed to pursue the "athletic participation option" - which will not affect the summer PE program.

Middle/high school teacher Jill Holmes and elementary school custodian Mary Seidel were approved for retirement. Mrs. Holmes has been in education for 38 years, all at EPCS, while Mrs. Seidel has been with the corporation for 24 years.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that the robotics team won the Vex Robotics Midwest Championship on March 12 at Warren Central in Indianapolis. The board gave approval for the team and its teacher/sponsor Brad Moore to participate in the world competition in Orlando. The team is sponsored by corporate donations.

Klitzman reported to the board that because of funding cuts and declining enrollment, the driver's training program offered during the school year may need to be eliminated. Klitzman is surveying surrounding schools. WCHS is the only school in the area to offer driver's training during the school year. Some schools do not offer the program at all, wile others offer it only in summer. Some schools  contract with private vendors to offer the program. Klitzman said that because of further funding cuts, it is hard to justify the expense of a teacher for an elective class with a maximum enrollment of nine students. He added that if the program is discontinued, it will probably be offered one more year to give parents and patrons notice.

Also in his report, DeFries announced that the Bi-County Choral Festival was hosted by Winamac, with students from Caston, Rochester attending. He noted that WCHS graduate Shane Crawford placed second in the 60-meter dash at the 2011 Men's Track & Field Big Ten championships. Crawford will participate in an internship at EPCS to work with PE and health students and athletes to offer conditioning and proper nutrition help.

DeFries reported that another graduate, Bill Torgerson is now a published author. Yet another graduate, Stephen Shurn, who now serves in the Air Force,  presented a U.S. flag to the school that had flown over Kuwait.

School computer technicians Peach Roth and Adam Bennett showed the board the new NWEA Assessment Program and the school's remediation program, Auto Skills, and how it works and how it helps students to improve and focus instruction.

Middle school principal Stan Good reported that 30 sixth grade students read and completed a lesson plan for students in kindergarten through second grade. The middle school students recently had an opportunity to hear motivational speaker Josh Bleill whose topic was how to respond to a "bad day." Bleill is an Iraq war veteran who lost both legs.

Elementary principal Jill Collins reported that the "Shamrock Shuffle" segment of the elementary school's fitness program had approximately 200 parents and students participate on March 12. Over 70 parents of preschool students participated in the "Pre-school Bridge Activity" Feb. 17. This activity is one of three this year to help parents prepare their children for kindergarten.

School bus drivers were approved for an electric stipend as presented.

Klitzman reported that a request was received from parents to appeal the decision of the school administration and the athletic council concerning a student discipline issue. During a school board executive session comments were heard from both sides. After discussion the board voted to uphold the administration and athletic council's decision.