Superintendent Dan Zylstra discussed upcoming events for school staff in anticipation of the first day of school. The staff breakfast will be Wednesday, Aug. 7.

He also shared plans to continue eLearning in 2019-20 and to schedule a planned eLearning day in late September for practice and teacher professional development.

In addition, Zylstra discussed the pursuance of narcan for the school buildings as a first aid measure for student and community safety. He also shared the dress code, and technology updates for the 2019-20.

 

Personnel

The board voted to accept the following resignations as presented:

  • Monica Gainor - Middle School Counselor
  • Tammy Toosley - Guidance Assistant
  • Courtney Mestrovich - Instructional Assistant
  • Matt Miller - Middle School Teacher

New teachers at West Central Schools are (front) Teri Rickaby, Susan Ames, Devin Green, Brooke Hughes, Abigaile Birnell-Beall and Robin Ashley; and (back) BJ Aldridge, Jerlu Santillana, Kara Trent, Jonas White, Keenan Scutchfield and Kenley Newbuaer.

The board accepted the following for employment as presented:

  • B.J. Aldridge - Physical Education Teacher
  • B.J. Aldridge - Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach
  • Deenise Abrams - Cafeteria
  • Jessica Kaeb - Cafeteria
  • Cheri Maple - Instructional Assistant
  • Holly Benesh - Instructional Assistant
  • David Reif - Advanced Manufacturing Teacher
  • Kevin Wenzel - Middle & High School Language Arts Teacher
  • Lacey Steele - Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach
  • Keisha Patterson - Custodial
  • Jamie Fritz - Assistant Director of Maintenance
  • Tammy Conley - Instructional Assistant
  • Teri Rickaby - Music Teacher
  • Kathy Minnick - Middle School Student Council Sponsor
  • Chassidy Leman - Guidance Instructional Assistant
  • Joyce Reuille - Custodial
  • Ashley Kopka - Cafeteria
  • Jerry Tyler Napier - Middle school Language Arts Teacher
  • Kenley Newbauer - Social/Emotional Learning Specialist
  • Ryan Howat - Junior Varsity Basketball Coach

The board approved a leave request for Marci Kennedy.

 

Action Items

The board voted to approve the Cooperative School employee contracts as presented.

The school board appointed Delilah Jordan to a four-year term as a board member of the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library. The term will be from Aug. 13, 2019 to Aug. 13, 2023.

The board voted to contract with Safe Care as the equipment maintenance provider for the West Central Cafeteria for 12 months, beginning Aug. 1.

The board voted to contract with Slam Dunk Sports Marketing to replace the football scoreboard.

 

Principal Reports

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared summer school finished Aug. 1. The students were really engaged in the problem solving and projects through the STEM focus. There was positive feedback from the teachers on the format.

Registration went well with the new information system. Several new students are enrolled. Staff have really liked the new student information system.

Teachers and staff have been preparing for the start of school. Rooms are ready and the fresh paint done by the custodians looks great.

Thursday morning professional development coverage schedule is complete.

Middle/high school principal Scott Ritchie shared there have been many changes at the high school over the last month. Administration has hired many teachers, and as of the board meeting the MS/HS has a full staff to start the school year.

Administration has communicated with parents and students about policy changes by releasing "social media blasts."

On Wednesday, July 31, 13 teachers participated in professional development for Nearpod and the trainer helped them design lessons and gave teachers ideas on e-learning activities by using Nearpod.

Monday (Aug. 5) is new teacher orientation which should be a big event.

School staff are waiting to start the coffee bar until after Labor Day so they can advertise it properly and train students how to serve.

  
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Local News Briefs

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. 

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.

Stop signs to be added to two county intersections

The Pulaski County Highway Department will add stop signs Monday (April 28) to two county road intersections – one in southeast Rich Grove Township, and the second in northwest Monroe Township.

The new stop signs were approved April 14 in an ordinance adopted by the county commissioners.

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.”

  

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 cases climb to 800 nationwide; 8 in Indiana

Also: respiratory illness updates

INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) — The Indiana Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread of infection. The current reported cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states.

Eight cases have been reported in the Indiana, all in Allen County.

  

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.