In other business, upon the advice of a specially retained attorney, the school board voted unanimously to place Klitzman on contractual probation for one year. The action stems from a July incident when the superintendent was charged with driving while intoxicated violations following a traffic stop in Clinton County. Klitzman has pleaded not guilty to the charges. An Oct. 28 trial date is set.

The school board has met with attorney Robert Reiling of West Lafayette to discuss its course of action on the issue, as school attorney Dan Murphy is representing Klitzman on the case. A school board spokesman said the disciplinary measure was satisfactory to board members and that Klitzman accepted the terms.

The superintendent was asked to survey area lawyers to determine their interest in serving as the school corporation's attorney.

Also in other business, the board discussed damages from a storm to the middle/high school roof which must be repaired or replaced. The board decided to use insurance money to help fund the replacement of a section of the roof and receive a 10-year warranty.

Through an open purchase order, the board approved a recommendation to purchase two new school buses - trading in two - from Kerlin Bus Sales. Kerlin has offered to allow the school to use the same purchase order (no price increase) as last year. The new buses will be Thomas body, Cummins engine 78-passenger buses and extra equipment. The possibility of trading-in or replacing a white utility bus will be considered in the future.

In his report, Klitzman noted the school is administering the fall assessment at this time. These assessments will establish a benchmark for teachers to know where students stand, so instruction may be differentiated to target student needs.

The board was told the Indiana School Boards' Association will hold a regional meeting Oct. 19, in Plymouth.

The board learned student paperless reports are being utilized in grades 1-12 for all parents who have an e-mail address, with paper copies prepared for parents who do not have Internet use.

Klitzman told the board that the school's Helping Hands Program continues to help in-need students and families. The Pulaski County Fair Board has donated $100 to the program. Also, the Winamac Town & Country Women's Club has donated hand sanitizer for each classroom.

The board was told the Student Behavior Modification Plan, to help keep students in class, was discussed in a meeting of administrators and county prosecutor Stacy Mrak.

In his report, high school principal Rick DeFries encouraged parents to use "Harmony," the student management system, to stay in contact with the school. He also outlined the week-long homecoming activities. Lastly, Herff Jones has provided a banner for the Class of 2015 (freshmen), and all classes that follow. Each freshman was asked to sign the banner, pledging his/her commitment to graduate and work hard in class. The banner will be displayed in the high school.

Middle school principal Stan Good reported that "Auto Skills," a computer-based remediation program, is proving to help students improve their ISTEP scores. Thirty students, so far, are using the program this year. He also noted that fewer students are participating in athletics this year.

Elementary principal Jill Collins reported that data workshops are being held to review ISTEP data, and to develop strategies for instructional improvement and interventions. A "New to EPES Family Night" will be held Sept. 22 to welcome and acclimate new families to the elementary school. "Donuts with Dad," hosted by the PTA, will be Oct. 7. Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Despot are creating a New Parent Binder to guide parents through understanding the school's reading program and test scores.

The board approved a textbook selection committee (miscellaneous category), as presented, DeFries will chair the committee with members including teachers Micah Combs, Brad Moore and Brandon Burgess; and parents Scott Taylor and Michelle Hettinger.

Approval was given to the Sunshine Society for its annual member/parent trip to Chicago on Nov. 21.

The FFA was given approval for an overnight trip to attend the national convention in Indianapolis Oct. 19-21.