The counselor also highlighted the merits of the Dual Credit Courses. Twenty-four students took some of the courses last year, and that number has doubled this school year.

In other business, Superintendent Dr. Robert Klitzman reported on the school corporation’s enrollment on the official count date which as 1,225 students (kindergarten students are counted as half). EPCS enrollment has increased this year, and state funding is directly linked to enrollment. Klitzman explained with new legislation parents have a “choice” where to send their children to school, so EPCS needs to continue to offer the best educational experience - and continue to improve.

A discussion followed the monthly report on the school’s condition of funds. The impact of the funding formula was reviewed. Klitzman review the decreases, increases and cuts. The increases were due to increased enrollment, retirements and hours reduction. The decreases were due to less state funding through grants being discontinued, and cuts in funding. The school’s net increase in funding is $5,867; but due to an ADM student dispute, that could decrease by $5,000. Klitzman said funding is hard to project due to the new legislation of school choice.

“We do not know what our funding will be, because parents can now send their student to any school they want,” he said.

Also in his report, the superintendent announced that the health insurance increase, which begins in January, will be 6.5 percent, below the projected trend. the MASE Insurance Trust has two new members, Delphi and Clinton Prairie schools. The Trust is also offering a high deductible plan along with a Health Saving Account (HSA) beginning in January.

Klitzman told the board the roof project is complete, along with parking lot striping. The HVAC controls switchover project at the middle/high school continues.

He reported on Indiana School Board Association (ISBA) meetings. The regional meeting will be Oct. 19 in Plymouth. Klitzman said the state conference had good sessions. One in particular centered on school finance in the State of Indiana. He added that the media is being fed many perceived, non-factual, negative information concerning public education; and the schools need to highlight the good they are doing and promote it to counteract this movement.

It was announced that art teacher Lynn Darda has submitted one of her personally-designed greeting cards to the Paper Crafts magazine which was showcased in the magazine. She also won a cash prize for her entry.

The school’s “Helping Hands” fund has received a $200 donation from the Ladies of Charity, and the organization was thanked for its gift.

In action items, the board approved the replacement of the HVAC system at the elementary school by McGrath for a total of $56,907. This will be paid through capital projects and includes a five-year compressor warranty, installation and startup, and removal of the existing chiller.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported that teacher Duane Johansen visited California in August to receive training on the Korean culture to share with students and staff. He also announced that courses in calculus, biology and English 12 are being offered as AP classes, with study beginning over the summer. Also, teacher Kevin Zupin is conducting student-led discussions as part of a program from the IU Center for Study of Global Change.

Middle school principal Stan Good reported that the fall sports programs are winding down, with the eighth-grad volleyball team undefeated, as wall as the cross country teams. Dr. Darlene Gordon, National Honor Society Sponsor, is implementing more leadership-type training for the members.

Elementary school principal Jill Collins announced the school is offering parent/teacher conferences on Oct. 25-27. Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated Oct. 28. Upcoming education field trips were also announced.

A maternity-leave request was granted for high school teacher Rachael Sandberg, beginning in March. The board approved Bernard Blameuser for a bus driver position. Bus driver Janet Haschel was approved for a special leave.

The next school board meeting will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 14, at the Distance Learning Lab.