Dr. Rowe also talked with the board about an opportunity to possibly utilize a classroom at the elementary school for a Cooperative School Services speech preschool or life skills classroom. Such a program would be in coordination with Cooperative School Services.

In other business, Rowe reported teachers have been working on curriculum mapping and alignment K-12, and had “a very productive day” during the latest professional development early release day.

She also noted that with two retirements from the bus driver pool, the school will be combining bus routes. Bus drivers are currently working to rearrange stops and changes will be communicated with parents.

The superintendent also shared:

• May 6-10 is staff and teacher appreciation week.
• Prom will be May 11, and May 19 will be a band/choir concert.
• Commencement will be May 26 at 2 pm with awards for both buildings taking place on Thursday, May 23.
• Summer school will be June 3-13 for elementary students and June 3-20 for high school students.
• Bus inspections will be June 11.

The school board announced that Max Voorhies and Reece Budka had perfect IREAD 2024 scores.

“Student of the Month” recognition was announced for Kailee Bishop of the middle/high school and Trayce Allen of the elementary school.

Personnel

The school board approved the following resignations and retirements, as presented:

• Keshia Patterson - Resignation
• Jerlu Santillana - Resignation
• Jezreel Santillana - Resignation
• Cindy Kruger - Retirement
• Pamela Pettet - Retirement
• Patti Kem - Coordinator - CSS
• Mary Spiehler - CSS
• Kenin Smith - CSS

The board approved the employment of the following, as presented:

• Ben Gudas, Middle School Football Coach
• Adam Huber, Middle School Assistant Football Coach
• Tyson Mellon, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
• Jeremy Glasford, Co-Ed Cross Country Coach
• Joan Kiersma-Summer School
• Michaela Shively-Summer School
• Amber Leman-Summer School
• Sherry LeBeau, Extended Contract-CSS
• Amanda Zea-CSS

The board approved a leave request for Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe for the IASBO, NCISSC Professional Development Leaves.

Action Items

The school board approved the Revised Cafeteria Policy, as presented.

Approval was given to the Medaryville Assembly of God request for bus rental, as presented. Approval was also granted for the Lifewise request for bus rental, as presented.

The board voted to accept the first readings of a review for school board policies concerning wireless devices prohibition and habitual truancies, as presented.

The board approved the appointment of Tyler Skinner to the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library Board of Trustees.

Approval was voted for the Student Travel Club trip to Sandusky, Ohio on May 28-30.

The school board voted to approve the resolution determining “Need for Project.,” and a resolution approving the form of the lease.

The West Central Elementary School handbook was approved as presented. The middle/high school handbook was also approved.

Principal reports

Middle/high school assistant principal Michael Slys reported that April was “abuzz” with activity:

• The Academic Math Bowl team made it to the state finals for the first time in school history.
• ILEARN testing was begun and completed.
• The Music in the Parks Band trip to Kings Island was April 26. The West Central band placed third in competition.
• The school’s first annual Senior Summit/Job Fair was April 12. There were five break-out sessions and a catered lunch. Sessions focused on Personal Safety, Banking and Finance, First Aid, Job Skills, and Basic Vehicle and Home Maintenance.
• On April 19, Mrs. Thilges’ Culinary class took a field trip to Ivy Tech in Indianapolis. The students met with Ivy Tech faculty and students and also toured the campus.

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson also reported a lot of activity at the elementary in April:

• ILEARN in grades 3-6 is finished. There are just a few make-up tests left.
• The Book Fair wraps May 3. Carlson said PTC has “been phenomenal” again in handling this.
• Math Bowl traveled to Logansport and won their division.
• Support and training on Readable English has continued in fifth and sixth grades, and is going well.
• The professional development on April 26 consisted of CPR training, curriculum mapping, and a presentation from Amplify for the reading adoption. Open Court is presenting next week with hope of a decision soon.
• Field Trips continued with second grade visiting the Children’s Museum, and fourth grade traveling to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for activities coordinated by Purdue.
• May will be busy as usual with end-of-year activities taking place.
• Final benchmarking starts May 6 in NWEA and iReady for reading and math.