In other business, the board discussed the responsibilities for a proposed district data/test coordinator position. Street noted the schools' guidance counselors spend a great deal of their time working on state reports and requirements and less time working with students. He said if a district data/test coordinator position was created, the guidance counselors would be able to spend more time working with students and the social and emotional needs of students.
The school board held its annual election of officers. Todd Miller was re-elected as school board president. Mandy Sharpe was elected vice president and Jonathan Gutwein was elected secretary.
Board approval was given to the reappointment of the following individuals for 2019:
- Bonnie Koebcke – Corporation Treasurer
- Shannon Fritz – Corporation Assistant Treasurer/Small Claims Representative
- Monica Franscoviak – Extra-Curricular Treasurer
- Edward Dumas – School Corporation Attorney
The board voted to transfer $50,000 to the Rainy Day Fund from the Capital Projects Fund, $60,000 from the Transportation Fund, and $40,000 from the Bus Replacement Fund.
The board approved a motion to transfer $10,000 to the Textbook Fund from the Debt Service Fund for reimbursement of unreimbursed textbook expenses.
Approval was also given to a motion to transfer $50,000 from the Construction Fund to the Rainy Day Fund for reimbursement of expenditures as a result of the Secure Entrance and Utilization of Space Project.
The board members filled out annual conflict of interest forms as required by law.
In his superintendent's report, Street noted the following:
The West Central Board of Education has full membership with the Indiana School Boards Association.
The board extended a thank you to Miller's Fabrication for manufacturing and donating new mailboxes for the school. The construction company is completing a few items with the Secure Entrance and Utilization of Space Project.
The board discussed inviting teachers to present at future board meetings. This would allow the teachers to explain the educational curriculum and happenings in their classrooms.
Financial Indicators released by the Indiana DUAB were shared.
The recent wind turbine maintenance report went well.
Personnel
The board accepted the resignations of Laura Faler, middle school wrestling coach Shane Pack, and assistant varsity wrestling coach Jason Wall.
The board approved the employment of Cindy Lodholtz as a bus driver, and Wyatt McIlvain as a volunteer wrestling coach.
Approval was given to the leave requests Monica Gainor, Lisa Marlatt, and Megan Kaluf.
Conference requests were approved for the following:
- Brian Pilarski – INSHAPE
- Kasey Lowry – Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Training
- Rebecca Reed, Hillary Durie and Jeremy Glasford – IATCCC
- Joanne Stevens – BPA State Conference
A field trip request was approved for the Business Professionals of America State Contest March 10 – 12
"Student of the Month" certificates were presented to Boden Putt at the elementary school level, and Abby Ringen and Emma Taylor at the middle school level. Becca Hunter, also at the middle school level was unable to attend.
COMMENTS: Teachers Jennifer Byrne, Brad Odom and Marilyn Bernal, representing the West Central Classroom Teachers Association, expressed appreciation to First Christian Church for the backpack food program and for the Christmas gifts that were given to those students. Odom thanked Monica Gainor for organizing a gift drive for 25 needy students. Mrs. Bernal thanked the board for all its support last semester.
Principal Reports
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that students returned to school "with gusto" Jan. 7.
The Perfect Attendance Lunch for students who weren’t absent or tardy during the second quarter will be Jan. 10 and 11.
Students in grades 3-5, along with 6-8, will take the ILEARN Readiness test on Jan. 23 to test the state’s ability to handle the real test in April.
Teachers are continuing to use professional development and collaboration time to look at State Standards and work on build a climate conducive to positive social-emotional learning.
New middle/high school principal Scott Ritchiereported that he is meeting people.
The school is starting its professional development off this week with a meeting of the math and English departments and an introduction for the principal on what they have been working on concerning curriculum alignment, curriculum mapping, and lesson planning. The other departments are continuing their efforts with power standards and alignment in their separate groups.
There will be a ninth grade orientation on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 pm.
Statewide readiness testing starts this month.
Board of Finance Committee
The Board of Finance Committee of the West Central School Corporation met Jan. 10.
The board held its annual election of officers. Mandy Sharpe was elected president. Jeff Tanner was elected secretary. Bonnie Koebcke, treasurer, was designated as the investing officer.
The board voted to designate Lake City Bank, Medaryville Branch, and Alliance Bank, Francesville Branch as depositories for the year.
The board voted to declare the listing of outstanding and unpaid checks from West Central School Corporation.
