Foster reported he had submitted an article for publication in the Journal, the county newspaper, concerning the bus accident. Other administrators at the meeting also expressed gratitude for community support.

In other business, Foster reported on the following:

● The Distinguished Alumni Program on Nov. 30 was phenomenal. Pamela (Warren) Burger, Bryce Brumm, Dr. Cherie Goble, Ralph Braun, SSGT. Tyler Fox and Dan Frain were recognized.  

● Karen Butler, middle school/high school media center director, has received the VFW’s District 2 Teacher of the Year award.  

● The recent band and choir concerts were very good as was the ExPrEsS Choir concert.

● This is Mike Tetzloff’s last school board meeting.  Foster thanked him for his years of service as a school board member. He said Tetzloff "led with heart and his head."

Foster also gave a financial report for the period ending Nov. 30.  All corporation funds had positive balances. The board voted to approve all claims as submitted.

The school board tabled action on the school corporation's legal representation agreement. A proposed agreement was presented to the board for its consideration by current school board attorney Tim Murray which outlined the proposed service Murray, as the school's legal counsel, would offer for 2019. 

Foster told the board the school corporation does not have funds available for the proposed agreement.  Murray explained the former school board member Terri Johnston had reached out to him asking if he could be more active in the school, so he submitted an agreement that mirrors Rochester Schools’ agreement with their attorney. Board member Mike Tetzloff stated that it is a good agreement, but that he didn’t feel the school needed all of the services outlined in the agreement. He suggest that maybe the board could pick and choose what is needed. Board member Rob Zeider asked what other legal counsel options the school has.  Foster said that the school corporation belongs to the Educational Service Centers Risk Funding Trust (ESCRFT), as well as the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA). Both of these organizations provide legal counsel as part of membership.

Spotlight on WCMS – Transformation of the WCHS/WCMS Media Center: High school principal Rick DeFries introduced the school's media center director Karen Butler. He said she has made the library "a true learning center." Butler  shared the changes that have taken place in the learning center over the course of the school year so far.  A mission statement has been developed.  New DVD’s have been added along with books in Spanish and more books targeted to upper level high school students. The learning center also houses the Warrior Academy for credit recovery. Butler continues to take college classes to improve her knowledge and the Media Center.

Foster explained that with the calendar year budget ending for 2018, board action is needed to transfer appropriations within funds to complete the process.  A budget is an estimate and to bring negative accounts to a zero balance transfers are needed.  The board approved a motion to approve appropriations, make transfers as needed, and pay claims for the close of the calendar year 2018 budget as necessary. 

The strategic plan that was presented and discussed at the November meeting was presented for approval. The strategies proposed will be implemented during the course of the next five years. After discussion on costs and commending those involved in developing the plan, the board voted to approve the strategic plan as presented. 

Foster reported that due an error on Form 4 during the budget process, the Operations Fund has to be re-adopted for 2019. After discussion, the board voted to approve Form 4 as submitted.

The board voted to approve the Teacher Appreciation Grant Payment as presented. 

Foster presented the resolution to transfer Operations Fund interest to the Education Fund as needed. After discussion, the board gave approval to the resolution as presented.

 

Personnel:

Retirements/Resignations/Terminations:

  • Mary Cotner submitted her resignation after 3.5 years at the elementary as a paraprofessional.  
  • Jenny Shank-Maxwell submitted her resignation as a bus driver after seven years.
  • Meredith Fitch, High School English, submitted her resignation effective Feb. 1.

Employments:

  • Stefanie Grandstaff was recommended for the assistant treasurer/bookkeeper position.  Mrs. Grandstaff received her MBA in health care administration in January 2018. She most recently handled accounts payable at Good Oil. 
  • Terry Skinner was recommended for an open bus driver position.  
  • Krista Klempner was recommended for the open paraprofessional position.  

Leaves:

  • Angel Hanson, high school secretary, submitted a special leave request from Feb. 10-15. This would be an unpaid leave. 

After discussion, the board approved all personnel items as presented. 
 

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Jill Collins shared how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is being implemented at the elementary school.  Professional Development for STEM has taken place through the Indiana Department of Education and grade level teams have worked on how to utilize STEM. STEM activities were discussed. Mrs. Collins shared upcoming activities: The kindergarten through grade 2 Christmas Program will be Wednesday, Dec. 19. On Jan. 8 there will be a Body Smart Program for parents, and on Jan. 9 for students; and then on Jan. 11, the PTA will sponsor a movie night.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson had intended to share about the recent music concert, gratitude celebration, stop/look pledge...safety with school buses and the eighth grade field trip. But due to the recent bus accident taking the life of an eighth grade student, Dickinson shared his heartfelt and sincere thanks for all those who helped throughout this difficult time. He specifically thanked the middle school staff, Jeff Beach, Candace Anliker,  Andrew Stepp, Kim Foerg, John King and all the amazing community members and area schools, including the dogs that were brought in to help students and staff cope.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on ISTEP re-testing and the Distinguished Alumni Program coordinated by Superintendent Foster on Nov. 30. He also commended teacher Kevin Zupin for coordinating the Student Shout-Out Program. DeFries thanked the community and area principals for their support during this difficult time.

 

Board Comment:  Ms. Butler and Mr. Tetzloff were commended. Breakfast with Santa went well. The ExPrEsS Choir and Middle/High School Concerts were well done. The Strategic Plan committee was commended. Everyone was thanked for their help during the bus accident. Foster was commended for the Distinguished Alumni program.

Public Comment: Mike Hartle asked that more parking lot safety be put in place.

Special Presentation: Mike Tetzloff, School Board Member, was presented with a plaque for his 16.5 years of service as a school board member.

  
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Local News Briefs

Indiana Election Division to perform voter list maintenance

In the absence of an election in 2025, the Indiana Election Division will perform routine voter list maintenance in an effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, reports Pulaski County Clerk JoLynn Behny.

 Beginning mid-May, registered voters with an “active” voter status will receive the first in a series of two postcards to verify the registered voter’s correct address. If the information on the post card is correct, the registered voter does not need to take any action.

I-65 to have overnight lane closures near State Road 14

 JASPER COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Rieth-Riley Construction will have overnight lane closures on I-65 from mile marker 217 to 223 (between SR 10 and SR 114) beginning on or after Monday, May 12.

I-65 will be reduced to one lane in the area where work is occurring during the overnight hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Work will be ongoing through mid-October.

Spring property taxes due Monday, May 12

Pulaski County taxpayers are reminded by the Pulaski County Treasurer's Office that the spring installment of property taxes are due Monday, May 12.

The taxes may be paid at the County Building (Rm. 307) or County Highway Garage in Winamac, or at several banks around the county.

PMH seeks community input identifying health needs of local communities

Survey deadline May 17

WINAMAC - Pulaski Memorial Hospital has announced the launch of its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, a comprehensive initiative aimed at identifying and addressing the most pressing health needs of our local communities.

“Community feedback is essential” said Hospital CEO Steve Jarosinski. ”PMH will be gathering input from residents, local organizations, community leaders, and even other area healthcare professionals to better understand the health challenges and opportunities across the region.”

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us. 

  

Indiana News

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

Gov. Braun signs HB1144

INDIANAPOLIS (May 6) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed HB1144 which will make some adjustments in the state’s court systems.

Pulaski Superior Court and seven other rural courts have been spared from closure, following revisions made late last month to the proposed bill approved by both the state house and senate April 24 in the Indiana General Assembly.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles outbreak in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.

West Central School Board honored by Indiana School Boards Association

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.

Only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana earned awards through the EGA program this year.

Economic Summit addresses county's financial health, state budget

'Making a place where we choose to live'
With a major restoration of the county courthouse nearing completion and a host of additional business and community projects under development, the mood was upbeat at the annual Pulaski County Economic Development Summit Tuesday (April 29). The event is hosted by the Pulaski County Community Development Commission.

CDC executive director Nathan Origer gave updates on projects and county economics, while keynote speaker Stephanie Wells, president of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, reviewed legislation from this year's session of the Indiana General Assembly.

BraunAbility to expand Winamac facilities with new product line

WINAMAC - BraunAbility has announced a $3.8 million investment in its Winamac operations to support production of the new BraunAbility Ram ProMaster.

This funding will cover land acquisition, land work, fencing, drainage and building improvements. Construction, utilizing local contractors, will continue through Spring 2026.

Marlatt, Vanderkleed join IBA 40-Year Club

FRANCESVILLE - Alliance Bank has recently recognized Kimberly Marlatt and Lori Vanderkleed with membership into the 40-Year Club of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA).

The club recognizes banking professionals who have completed 40 years or more of service to the Indiana banking community. Inductees are given IBA keepsakes and letters of congratulations.