State DOE approves West Central's E-Learning days

FRANCESVILLE – The Indiana Department of Education approved E-Learning days for West Central Schools, if bad weather days result in the school make-up sessions becoming necessary. 

Superintendent Don Street informed the school board at its meeting Thursday night (Jan. 7) of the state’s approval. West Central used E-Learning days last year on a trial basis when its built-in snow days ran out.

Street said the traditional make-up days will be used first before turning to E-Learning days.

In other business, the spring 2015 ISTEP scores were presented to the board. Street noted that, as expected, scores declined across the state. 

Information on the PSAT was also provided to the school board.

Street provided wind performance information for November and December. The turbine production has been very good, he said.

Street congratulated both of the school system’s cafeterias for perfect inspections with no violations during the Pulaski County Health Department’s inspection. He also reported that Jessica Murray has completed the School Nutrition Association Credentialing exam and is a School Nutrition Specialist.

The board held its annual reorganizational procedures. David Allen was elected school board president. Jeff Lowry was elected vice president and Todd Miller was elected secretary.

The board voted to approve the reappointment of the following individuals for the 2016 school year:

  • Pamela Ledford – Corporation Treasurer
  • Bonnie Koebcke – Corporation Assistant Treasurer
  • Monica Franscoviak – Extra-Curricular Treasurer

The board members filled out annual conflict of interest forms as required by law.

Under personnel matters, the board voted to employ the following, as presented:

  • Tina Hoeferlin – High School Cafeteria
  • Tonya Wall – 7 Grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Becca Erb – MS Track Coach

A maternity leave request was approved for high school custodian Nicole Kopka for Feb. 15 through May 16.

Approval was given to the resignation of high school custodian Kristin Cullen.

Approval was given to the following conference requests

  • Focus on Inclusion Conference – Feb. 23-24 - Amber Leman and Chelsea Reed
  • Glazier Clinic – Jan. 22-24 - Marc Hall

The following field trip requests were approved, as presented:

  • Business Professionals of America - March 6-8 - Joanne Stevens and 10 students
  • Camp Tecumseh, Brookston - May8-9, 2017 - Sixth Grade Class       

The board approved the Cooperative School Service Administrative Contract Adjustments.

The board voted to approve the fees for driver’s education for the 2016 summer session, as presented. In-corporation students will be charged $200, while out-of-corporation students will be charged $300. In addition a $25 fee will be paid to Driving Brilliance for the online course.

Street presented the reduction of 2015 appropriations in the transportation fund that more accurately reflect expenditures from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2015. The board voted to reduce the 2015 Transportation Fund appropriations by $76,564.

Street also presented the reduction of 2015 appropriations in the general fund that more accurately reflect expenditures from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2015.  The board voted to reduce the 2015 General Fund appropriations by $612,500.  

In addition, the board voted to transfer $100,000 to the Rainy Day Fund from the Capital Projects Fund and $25,000 from the Bus Replacement Fund.

Street reviewed the 2016 approved budget with the board.

The board voted to accept the quote from Town & Country Paving to do the sealcoating and repairs to the parking lot at West Central.  

The first reading of Threshold for Material Loss, Shortage, or Theft of School Funds or Property and Review and Second Audit of Free and Reduced Lunch Application was held. The board approved the first reading. There will be a second reading at the next school board meeting in February.

Francesville police officer Doug Lee was introduced to the school board.  

Congratulations were extended to the school board on being recognized for continuous improvement by the Indiana School Boards Association.

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that report cards went home with students on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

On Friday, Jan. 8 the elementary school will hold its Accelerated Reader Kickoff in the elementary gym. Students will earn Accelerated Reader points toward monthly and a year-end goal.

On Jan. 11 and 12, the school will serve its second-quarter perfect attendance lunches for students who were present every day of school without being tardy.  

The staff spent time reviewing special education protocol and procedures during the professional development day. They also took time to review some accreditation/school improvement plan documentation and grade levels spent time looking at student data in preparation for this spring’s ISTEP+ test.  

Middle/high school principal Pat Culpcongratulated the middle school and high school students for the successful Winter Music Program. He said students performed a beautiful program filled with seasonal music from the bands, choir, and various solo performances to the delight of the packed house of supporters. Thanks were extended to the music boosters and Mrs. Valerie Leman for their support and assistance to ensure the success of the program. Thanks were also extended to the music director, Jenna Wojdula, for her dedication to the program.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, West Central is hosting a Financial Aid night at 6 p.m. for all seniors. RSVPs will be sent in the mail soon, so please reply so the necessary arrangements can be made for the evening. 

On Jan. 29, the local Special Olympics athletes will be playing basketball at halftime.  

Baseball field renovations continue throughout the fall and winter. Thanks are extended to Mark Salinas, owner and operator of the Yard Farmer, for donating his time and equipment; and also to Mr. Allen and Coach McKay for the support, time, and effort on the field in preparation for the upcoming season. 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

The West Central School Board also held its annual Board of Finance Committee meeting after the regular school board meeting.

During officer elections, Gary Gudeman was elected president of the Board of Finance. Jeff Tanner was elected secretary of the board.

The board voted to designate Pamela Ledford, treasurer, as the investing officer. It also designated Lake City Bank, Medaryville Branch, and Alliance Bank, Francesville Branch as depositories for the year.

Also, the board approved a motion to declare the listing of outstanding and unpaid checks from West Central School Corporation and Cooperative School Services, as presented, be cancelled.