DeFries, who had served at EPCS for 19 years, had announced in February that he has accepted the principal position at Covenent Christian High School in DeMotte, beginning in July. The position will return him to his hometown and closer to family.
Tucker has previously served as assistant principal or principal at several schools, including at LaVille and North Judson. He has also worked in the private sector. He earned his master's degree in school administraton from Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and his bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching from Taylor University.
In other business, Superintendent Dan Foster recommended offering the following summer school classes if there is sufficient student enrollment: high school physical education, high school economics and Warrior Academy. After discussion, the board voted to approve the summer school classes as recommended if there is sufficient enrollment.
Spotlight on EPES – Kindergarten! Elementary school principal Jill Collins introduced kindergarten teacher Meagon Losh, Jackie Kiser, Beth Smith, Emily Woodward, and Mandy Bennett, kindergarten teachers. They shared about the kindergarten preview night and kindergarten screening. Kindergarten preview night lets the students acclimate themselves to kindergarten, the building, the recess equipment and so much more. Screening gives the teachers a preview of the students and what they can expect for the next school year.
Personnel
A. Resignation/Retirement
- Leo Hummel, high school project Lead the Way and manufacturing teacher, submitted his resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mr. Hummel has been in education for 42 years; 15 of those years at Eastern Pulaski.
- George Nietert, eighth grade math teacher, submitted his resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mr. Nietert has been in education for 42 years; 32 of those years at Eastern Pulaski.
- Angela Hanson, high school secretary, submitted her resignation for other employment. Mrs. Hanson has been at Eastern Pulaski for 12 years.
- Cathy DeFries, high school volleyball coach, submitted her resignation after a total of 16 years.
- Lacie Rans, transportation/food service, submitted her resignation for other employment.
- Taylor Moss, food service, submitted her resignation for other employment.
B. Employment
- Julie Perkins was recommended for the high school special education position, effective April 15.
- Jeremy Tucker was recommended for the high school principal’s position.
C. Leave Request – none
After discussion, the board approved all of the personnel items as submitted.
Action items
Foster reported the school corporations need to comply with IC 20-26-11-32, Transfer Tuition, as to whether the corporation wants to accept transfer students (students living out of the district). Each school corporation needs (1) to agree to accept transfers, (2) to set a number of transfers that will be accepted, and (3) set the end date for transfers to be accepted. If the number of transfer requests exceeds the established capacity, the school would need to have a “lottery” selection for transfer requests at a public meeting. In the past the board has taken action not to charge for transfer tuition if the individual student is enrolled by the September count date. Foster recommended continuing to accept transfers for the 2019-20 school year, but to set March 1, 2020, as the cutoff date to accept transfers and to set the capacity to accommodate the schools' facilities at the following numbers: Elementary School – 740, Middle School – 350, High School – 460. After discussion, the board voted to continue to accept transfers for the 2019-20 school year, to set the enrollment date at March 1, 2020, and to set the capacity as per Foster’s recommendation.
Grant/Donations:
- Jill Collins was approved for a $20,400 grant from PACE.
- IMI Materials donated concrete pillars by the tennis courts to protect an electrical service pole.
- Oregon Davis School Corporation donated $222.91 in memory of Owen Abbott. The donation will be used for middle school football per the wishes of his mother.
After discussion, the board voted to accept the grant/donations as submitted.
Field Trips:
- High school teacher Emily Hintz submitted a field trip request to take high school students to Catalina, Calif. for EarthWatch. EarthWatch is an expedition to help conserve and study marine life along Catalina’s coast. The trip would be March 20-26, 2020. Mrs. Hintz gave the tentative itinerary.
- High school teacher Kevin, Zupin submitted a field trip request to attend Hamilton in Chicago. Students attended this event last year.
After discussion, the board voted to approve the trips as submitted.
Reports
Foster commended the spring musical, the drama department, and all the volunteers...outstanding.
Foster said the current legislative session is being watched closely - two bills, specifically, the budget and school safety.
The ISBA Spring Regional Meeting is May 20.
Foster gave a financial report for the period ending March 31. All funds had positive balances. After discussion, the board approved all claims as presented.
Principals Rick DeFries, Jill Collins and Ryan Dickinson presented their proposed changes to the 2019-20 student handbooks for their buildings. Changes included dates and making clarifications. The handbooks will be presented at the meeting in May for final approval.
During board comment the following were commended: the kindergarten teachers, Mr. Hummel, Mrs. Hanson, and Mr. Nietert. The spring musical was commended. Mr. Tucker was welcomed. Oregon Davis was thanked for its donation.
Public Comment: Mrs. Cunningham thanked the board for the Chromebooks.
