Renovation construction continues as EPCS open new school year

WINAMAC - With a major facilities renovation project underway on the school campus, the Eastern Pulaski Community School Board and administrators acknowledged the efforts of the corporation's custodial staff in their preparations for a new school year during the school board's regular meeting Aug. 10.

The comprehensive project, with an estimated price tag of $14 million, was approved last fall, with bids awarded this spring and major remodeling running through the summer.

The project will continue through the school year, with some limited juggling of instructional spaces as the construction progresses.

In business related to the renovation project, Superintendent Dan Foster recommended Gibraltar Design of Indianapolis, the project consultant, for the design of the roofing portion of the project. He discussed the areas being done and the time table. After discussion, the board voted to continue with the roof specifications with Gibraltar Design. 

Foster also reported that five bids were received for the roofing project. The lowest bid was submitted by Insley Systems, Inc.  The bids were discussed including drain work, decking work, warranty, and alternate bids.  After discussion, the board voted to approve the bid from Insley Systems. 

Under personnel items, the board approved a full-time teaching contract for band director/teacher Elaina Sutton who had previously been teaching on a part-time contract. Board member Joe Cunningham abstained from the vote.

The board voted to approve the following personnel recommendations, as submitted:

  • Elementary school instructional assistant Linda Kummelt  submitted her resignation.  Nancy Huggler was recommended for the position. 
  • Ralph Armstrong was recommended for the director of transportation position.
  • Wendy Hinz was recommended for the junior varsity volleyball coaching position.
  • Craig Barr was recommended for an open football coaching position.
  • Tim Reutebuch was recommended for an open football coaching position.
  • Kyle Pugh was recommended for an open football coaching position.
  • Tyler Katschke was recommended for an open football coaching position.

The board approved Lisa Guzman for the head volleyball coaching position. Board member Larry Beach voted in opposition.

Approval was given to the Classified Staff Handbook, as presented. 

The board voted to accept a donation in memory of Harry Cords, former Eastern Pulaski School Superintendent. There was discussion on how to use the donation; a bench by the auditorium was the consensus.   

A request for a proposal to obtain a primary financial institution for the school corporation was submitted to all local financial entities. Two responses were received. After discussion, the board voted to accept the primary financial institution as 1st Source Bank. 

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending July 30.  The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances.  After discussion the board approved all claims as presented. 

Principals Jill Collins, Ryan Dickinson and Rick DeFries thanked the custodial staff for preparing the buildings for the first day of school. Registration went well, and everyone is ready for the first day of classes Aug. 11.   

Foster thanked the custodial staff and Mr. Green for their hard work this summer, while juggling the building project. He also thanked the board for allowing Mr. Garlits to oversee the building project. Mr. Bennett was commended for his work this summer. 

During the board comment period, the staff was commended.  The Cords family was thanked for their donation. The custodians were commended.