In her remarks, Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe thanked the high school staff, teachers, administrators and custodial/maintenance staff for all their hard work in ensuring the May 26 graduation ceremonies were successful.

Dr. Rowe reported the school is currently in the transition phase of moving from Alma to Harmony for its student information system, as well as a transition from Standard for Success to Pivot, which was previously used.

She also discussed West Central’s financial situation relative to the food service account and noted that while the food service fund is very close to providing free student meals, at present the fund would lose money if it did so. Rowe explained other schools have advertised that they can offer all students free meals, and this is due to the fact that the federal government is providing enhanced reimbursements for student counts of those who are direct certified for meals (SNAP, TANF, etc). That reimbursement level is allowing other districts to be reimbursed at a rate that covers losses from paid and reduced meals. At this time, free meals for all is not financially feasible at West Central, but school officials are hoping it may be in the future.

The superintendent also reported on the following:

• June 11 will be bus inspections.
• Summer school counts were shared.
• Student registration for the 2024-25 school year will be July 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Aug. 1 from 1 to 7 p.m. Teacher work days will be Aug 6 and 7, with the first student day of the school year on Aug. 8.
• The additional black chairs from the middle/high school cafeteria that were previously damaged in the shipment to the school will be kept.

The school board recognized Students of the Month. Allie Sanders was chosen to represent WCMS/HS , while Landyn Metzinger was the WCES selection.

Personnel

The school board approved the following resignations, as presented:

• Mary Chesser, Special Education Teacher
• Michael Slys, Assistant Principal
• Cheryl Ailes, Custodian
• Lisa Mahaffey, Music and Choir
• Sarah Coffman, STEM K-8
• McKenna Boerner, Resignation

 The board approved employment for the following:

• Kay Allen, Bus Driver for Summer School
• Don Bushong, Bus Driver for Summer School
• Tammy Brick, Bus Driver for Summer School
• Jerry Norman, Bus Driver for Summer School
• Brandon Davis - student summer helper
• Grant Peter - student summer helper
• Nate Peter - student summer helper
• Ezra Rodriguez - student summer helper
• Elly Sparks - student summer helper
• Kay Allen, Bus Driver - Adjusted Work Schedule for 2024-25
• Casie Allen - Adjusted Work Schedule for 2024-25
• Brandy Maxwell, Cafeteria Staff
• Amanda Dunne, Cafeteria Manager
• Amber Leman - 5/6 Grade Volleyball Coach
• Jeremy Glasford - JV Girls Head Basketball Coach
• Annie Scholz - Girls Basketball Assistant Varsity Coach
• Tyler DeMoss - Girls Basketball Varsity/JV Assistant Assistant
• Tyson Mellon - Head Girls Basketball Coach
• Jeremy Glasford - Head Co-Ed Cross Country Coach
• Marc Hall - Head Football Coach
• Greg Buschman - Football Assistant Coach, HS
• Tyler Napier - Football Assistant Coach, HS
• Emily Bridgeman - School Psychologist, CSS
• Lauren Manuel - School Psychologist, CSS
• Alison Rees - Preschool Speech Language Pathologist, CSS

Action items

The school board voted to approve the Cooperative School Services Joint Services Agreement.

Approval was given for the Affidavit of Completion Certificate affirming all work has been completed for the band-choir project.

The IVY Tech Dual Credit memorandum of understanding was approved, as presented.

The board approved the Moake Park Group A1A Agreement, as presented.

The board voted to approve the Wireless Devices Prohibition and Habitual Truant policies as presented.

The school board agreed to add a developmental preschool as part of the Cooperative School Services program.

Approval was given for the overnight field trip for the WC football team to travel to Manchester University.

Approval was given for the Girls Basketball Team camp to Indiana Wesleyan June 18-20.

The board voted to approve salary increases for support staff, as well as administrative contract extensions, as presented.

Several state-required public hearings were conducted during the school board meeting regarding school campus improvement projects, financing thereof and equipment purchases. No public comment was offered.

In related matters, the school board voted to reapprove the building corporation; and also to approve the resolution assigning construction bids and contracts, once received.

The board adopted a resolution approving the second supplement to master continuing disclosure undertaking, as presented.

Approval was given to the lease agreement between the West Central School Building Corporation and the West Central School Corporation Lessee.

Principal reports

Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke reported there was lots of work, celebrating, and fun during the month of May.

• The month began with Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Prom was held at The Shed in Wanatah.
• Grades 7-10 finished their last round of NWEA testing.
• Senior awards night, the FFA Banquet and the Spring Band Concert were held.
• The middle schoolers went on an incentive trip to Indiana Beach, and the band students also went to King’s Island and performed there.
• The high schoolers took final exams.
• The student council put on a talent show; there were 6 acts.
• The school had a cookout, awards, and games on the last day. It was a good ending to the school year.

The Veterans motorcycle group, “Rolling Thunder” came by the school May 29. Everyone was invited to come out and thank them for their service.

Graduation went well, and there was a good turnout.

The first round of CMA exams were taken and all three students passed. The school has six more students taking the exam June13. There are also 13 students coming to the school to take speech classes with an Ivy Tech professor.

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared the school year ended well and with a flurry of activity as usual. Field trips provided extra opportunities. Kindergarten went to Logansport and toured the firehouse. First grade experienced Fair Oaks, and Third grade went to the Indianapolis Zoo. Fourth Grade toured Pulaski County learning about many aspects and businesses. Third grade also had their annual Pioneer Day.

Grades 3-5 participated in the County Spelling Bee at Eastern Pulaski. Kylie Erb was first in third grade, Garrett Scholz was first in fourth grade, and Aslynn Pack was third in fifth grade. All the students represented West Central very well.

“Let’s Roll” was hosted by PTC at the beginning of the month. Approximately 345 attended the event which included students with a special female adult to enjoy cinnamon rolls, a parfait, and create a craft.

Students who met their math facts goal went bowling, and the Water Bash was enjoyed by those meeting their reading goal. Slightly over 200 students qualified for each event.

Field Day was a success, and the Kickball tournament culminated with one of Mr. Gudas’ teams winning for the students and then competing against the staff.

Students and staff celebrated the year’s achievements with many academic and attendance awards handed out on the last day of school. The final benchmarking in reading and math showed the school is holding steady with approximately the same numbers year-over-year for meeting their growth and being on grade level.

IREAD retakes have been given. Those, along with ILEARN results, have been mailed home.