Dr. Rowe told the board representatives from architect firm Moake Park Group of Ft. Wayne visited the school Oct. 2 to review finishes for the upcoming construction project and will return on Oct. 14 to go over final drawings. Bonds were set to be sold on Oct. 7. The construction timeline is expected to run from spring to autumn 2025.
Other aspects of the project include improvements to HVAC systems, cafeterias, some exterior door replacements and outside tuck-pointing of the buildings.
The superintendent also reported to the board on the following:
- Parent/Teacher conferences will be Oct. 21 and Fall Break is scheduled for Oct. 24-28.
- The insurance renewal for the MASE health insurance has increased 11% over last year’s costs.
- As part of the district strategic plan, the school will recognize its volunteers and business partners starting next month.
Dr. Rowe also reviewed historical electricity usage and turbine production, along with a transfer report and ADM historical report.
Personnel items
The school board accepted the following resignations as presented:
- April Steffel - Cafeteria
- Hannah McGraw - CSS related services counselor
- Corina Hoge - Custodian
Approval was given to employ the following as presented:
- Brian Pilarski - CTE Department Chair
- Sarah Buche - Elementary Math and Spell Bowl Coach
- Stephanie Thilges - Sunshine
- Chassidy Leman - Sophomore Sponsor
- Shannon Fritz - Head Girls Wrestling Coach
- Kelsey Erb - Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Jamie Fritz - Wrestling Assistant - Girls
- Susan Kurita – Four-hour custodian
Leave requests were approved as presented:
- Michaela Shively - Maternity Leave March 21, 2024 through end of school year
- Gwen Messman – Dec. 2, 2024, March 20, 2025
- Christina Rossman – Aug. 30, 2024
Action items
The school board voted to approve the 2025 budget, including the 2025 Capital Projects Plan and 2025 Bus Replacement Plan.
Approval was given to the Snack and Beverage Proposal Award as presented.
The board approved the overnight FFA trip to the Indiana FFA Leadership Center in Trafalgar (IN) on Oct. 11-13.
The board approved the West Central School Corporation High Ability Plan as presented.
The board voted to approve resolutions:
- to give authority to lower appropriations for the 2025 budget.
- to transfer amounts from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund.
- to transfer funds to the Rainy Day Fund.
- to balance accounts.
Approval was given to the second amendment to Master Continuing Disclosure Undertaking.
The school board voted to approve a Sunday performance for the middle/high school band concert on Oct. 13.
The board approved the Substitute/Temporary Personnel Salary Adjustments as presented in a 4-0-1 vote with Jonathan Gutwein abstaining.
Approval was given to the West Central Middle/High School Improvement Plan, plus the WC Elementary School Improvement Plan as presented.
The board approved the health insurance consideration for non-certified staff as presented.
Principal reports
Elementary school principal Toni Blaszczyk reported that the elementary students completed the NWEA and IREADY beginning-of-the-year assessments. The data is utilized to help group students for targeted interventions by meeting students where they are in reading and math. The goal for WCES students is to be on grade level or above.
Administrators treated the school custodians with a sweet treat for Custodial Appreciation Day to show appreciation for everything they do for the schools.
The first grade classrooms started their visits to the Parkview Haven nursing home to read and participate in activities with residents. Residents and students are enjoying their regular visits with Mrs. Bernal’s and Mrs. Heims’ classes.
West Central Elementary's PTC held Grandparents' Day. There was a great turnout of grandparents who enjoyed visiting their grandchild's classroom, the book fair, game time, and refreshments.
Middle/high school principal Mike Carlson reported the schools’ athletic programs have had a “great September.” The volleyball team claimed the Tomahawk from Winamac, Connor Huber was the Journal & Courier Athlete of the Week, and Dre Villareal was the WKVI Athlete of the Week.
Benchmarking in the class room shows 58 percent of middle school students on grade level in math and reading, and 47 percent in language. At the high school, 58 percent are on level for reading, and 63 percent are on level in math and language.
Middle school is about to give the first ILEARN Checkpoint assessments. This data will be used to support students falling below proficiency.
The professional development time was used for evaluation training, and more with diploma changes, Early College endorsement process, and Indiana College Core.
