West Central board studies state's new school budget formula
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- Published: Tuesday, 12 May 2015 19:54
FRANCESVILLE - The projected 2016 and 2017 school budget formula recently approved by the Indiana state legislature was reviewed by the West Central School Board at its meeting Thursday (May 7).
The school formula projections estimate a decrease to the school system's general fund by $300,000 for 2016.
Superintendent Don Street told the board this projection is all based upon trend data and enrollment.
Street shared the projected elementary enrollment numbers along with the need to have a kindergarten readiness room for next school year. He added enrollment in the Health Careers I course will increase for next school year. There is a need to provide a full day program.
In other business, the board voted to accept the following resignations of high school language arts teacher Jackie and high school custodian Michelle Clapp.
A personal leave request for Cathy Risner, as presented.
The board voted to approve employing the following people, as presented:
- Lindley Laposi – high school language arts teacher
- Jennifer Istre – middle school social studies/science teacher
- Emma Kiser – middle school language arts teacher
- Amy Valade – administrative assistant – Cooperative School Services
- Shannon Fritz – central office secretary
- Kelly Dickensheets – varsity volleyball coach
- Tonya Wall – JV volleyball coach
- Drew McKay and Austin Parish – Babe Ruth co-coaches
Approval was given to the school board meeting dates for 2015-16, as presented; and also to the budget calendar for 2015-16, as presented. In addition, the board voted to approve the pay dates for the 2015-16 school year, as presented.
The board voted to increase the school breakfast by 5 cents at the middle school/high school with no increase in the elementary breakfast; and for a 30 cent increase in the lunch prices for the middle school/high school and 20 cents for the elementary school for the 2015-16 school year.
The board approved the renewal of the student accident insurance plan with Student Assurance Services as presented for the 2015-16 school year.
Principals Pat Culp and Dan Zylstra went over the changes in the student handbooks for the 2015-16 school year. The board then voted to approve the handbooks as presented.
The board voted to approve the increases in the classified staff contracts as presented.
Approval was given to the Data Coach Agreement with Lavonne Pelsy, as presented. This position is paid via grant funds.
The school board voted to adopt the social studies books as presented. The elementary and middle schools are adopting books from Pearson Education, while the high school will be adopting books from McGraw-Hill.
The board approved the book rental fees for 2015-16 as follows:
- Kindergarten $66
- First Grade $95
- Second Grade $99.50
- Third Grade $87.50
- Fourth Grade $73.50
- Fifth Grade $77.50
- Grades 6-12 will be determined by course selection
All grades will have a $15 technology fee added for students receiving a digital device. This will create a fund for repair and replacement of one-to-one devices.
Street reviewed the revised technology plan with the board. The board then voted to approve the plan.
Street reported the wind turbine production has been very good.
A "Student of the Month" certificate was presented to Sydney Mellon honoring her at the elementary school level.
Under principal reports:
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that as the end of the school year approaches, the school is wrapping up many loose ends. Students finished online ISTEP+ testing on May 6. On May 7, students who met their April Accelerated Reader goal received their ice cream reward. Students who made their grade level goal for the entire Accelerated Reader contest from January through April will be treated to a movie in Winamac on May 21 at the ISIS Theatre.
The Pulaski County-wide Elementary Spelling Bee also was held May 7 at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School. Notable West Central students were Jaden Erb, first place in the third grade division, Hayden Fritz, third place in the third grade division, and Julian Luzadder, first place in the fifth grade division.
On May 15 Alliance Bank will bring popcorn for the students in the afternoon as a special treat.
The last week of school is bustling with activities, including field days for all students and the awards assembly on May 22, the last day of school.
West Central Elementary extends a special thanks to the county’s PACE Board, which recently awarded the school a grant of $15,000 to continue the literacy initiatives which include giving books to students for special occasions, including the summer book mobile, and assisting in the purchase and management of reading diagnostic software.
Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that the West Central Midwest Writing and Math teams competed well, finishing second and third, respectively. He congratulated all the participants and teachers for their hard work, time, and effort.
The ISTEP results will be returned to school by the Department of Education, anytime between June and November.
On April 14 and 15, Culp attended the Indiana Dept. of Education School Safety Conference at IPFW.
The Indianapolis Fever sent representatives April 16 to speak with elementary and middle school students about the importance of staying active and eating healthy. He thanked Mrs. Murray for working on the grant and making the appropriate arrangements to have The Fever visit WCSC.
Mrs. Jennifer Johns and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Saltsman were honored at the Indian Trail banquet. Mrs. Johns was honored for her hard work and dedication to the Health Occupations class. Mr. and Mrs. Saltsman were honored as a local business partner contributing to West Central.
The Jasper County Drug Free Council will present to all juniors and seniors on Monday, May 11. Students will be challenged to make good choices during the prom and graduation season. The Jasper County Drug Free Council was thanked for supporting the local schools and students.
Friday, May 15, Planned Potential will meet with middle school students as a culmination of presentations they have been conducting throughout the course of the school year.
Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Prom festivities will occur at Monticello at Pine View Golf Course. After prom will be held in Valparaiso at Inman's. Transportation to Valparaiso will be provided by W.C. school buses.
Seniors Awards night will be Monday, May 18.
West Central High School students will perform in a talent show on May 19. Ten acts are scheduled.
Wednesday, May 20, the Freedom Riders, a group of military veterans riding from California to Washington D.C., will visit West Central. Riders are expected to be at the high school at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Senior Breakfast, prepared by the Medaryville/Francesville Lions Club, and graduation practice will take place on Friday, May 22. That day is also the last student day. Baccalaureate will be at 2 p.m., followed by commencement at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 24.
