Superintendent Dan Foster explained that eLearning activities may be utilized as an educational alternative for learning experiences or activities. These activities are designed to extend, enhance, supplement or serve as a substitute for onsite classroom instruction. The eLearning Plan for staff and the eLearning Plan for students and parents were presented for board approval. Online training for non-teaching staff will be an option so those staff members can be paid.

In other business, Foster presented a plan for professional development for staff. The plan allows for a late start time and resources necessary for the continuous growth and development of staff every Wednesday.

Foster also presented a plan which will develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year induction program for novice teachers, and those new to the corporation. This program fosters a reflective and unified culture which challenges their beliefs and assumptions about learning by various means.

After discussion, the board approved both plans as presented.

Valedictorian Jennifer Budd and her parents, Dave and Karen Budd, and Salutatorian Jillian Brumm and her parents, Bryce and Lori Brumm, were recognized by the board. High school principal Rick DeFries highlighted the students’ academic records. He added that the two students were positive role models for the entire student body. Jennifer and Jillian shared their plans for the future.

Spotlight on WCMS(MS Leadership Council): Foster stated that middle school principal Ryan Dickinson attended a School Safety meeting, and introduced Mr. Hook and Mrs. Myers, Middle School Leadership Council members. They reported that the Leadership Council is actively helping to recruit teachers by targeting colleges and sending emails to potential candidates. They created a link to their website showing all the great things at the school and in the community.

 

Personnel:

Retirement/Resignation/Termination

  • Dr. Gene Sweeney – WCHS assistant principal. Dr. Sweeney has been at Eastern Pulaski for one year.
  • Meredith Allen – WCHS teacher. Mrs. Allen has been at Eastern Pulaski for three years.
  • Kyle Johnson – WCMS/WCHS teacher. Mr. Johnson has been at Eastern Pulaski for 18 years.

Employment

  • Lindsey Kozubik – EPES Art. Ms. Kozubik has been teaching art at Fairview and Franklin in Logansport since 2007 and comes highly recommended.
  • Allyson Adams – EPES Autism/ED room. Ms. Adams holds degrees in psychology and applied behavior analysis and has been working with Cornerstones and Lighthouse Autism Centers in Plymouth. She was interviewed by special education supervisor Stephen Sullivan, teachers Bethany Podell and Susie Schultz, and elementary school principal Jill Collins. She comes highly recommended.
  • Shayla Northcutt, Food Service, EPES Cafeteria from 10:30-1:00. Devan Northcutt, Food Service, WCMS/WCHS Cafeteria from 10:30-1:30. Both Mrs. Northcutt and Mr. Northcutt have been subbing in the cafeterias and doing well.
  • Hope Rhodes Instructional Assistant – High School; Ms. Rhodes is a WCHS and Ball State graduate who is moving back to the area. She is currently an instructional assistant in New Castle. She was strongly recommended by the interview committee.

Leave Requests

  • Connie Ingram, Transportation – unpaid leave from May 28 to June 4.
  • Toni Hansen, Transportation/Food Service – unpaid leave from May 30 to June 4.

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

 

Overnight Field Trips

  • Varsity Football to a team camp at DePauw University.
  • Varsity Girls Basketball to Fort Wayne and New Castle to play against other schools.
  • Varsity Softball – Tippecanoe River State Park for a team camp.

After discussion, the board approved the trips as presented.

 

2019-20 School Year Fees:

Meal Prices – Foster explained that according to the lunch equity calculator, and verified with a phone call to the Department of Education, EPCS needs to raise its lunch prices from $1.90 to $2 for the 2019-20 school year. About four years ago, the DOE instituted this calculator and depending on each school's results, it can either keep lunch fees the same or increase them. The DOE also wants EPCS to raise adult lunch prices from $2.53 to at least $2.61 but suggested $2.65. EPCS does not need to increase its breakfast price of $1 at this time.

Registration/Textbook Fees – Foster recommended leaving elementary grades K-5 at $100 including the handbook; and grades 6-12 $125 ($75 device fee and $50 for other curricular materials).

After discussion, the board voted to approve the recommendation of the school year fees as submitted for the 2019-20 school year.

 

2019-20 Student Handbooks:

After discussion, the board voted to approve the elementary, middle and high schools' 2019-20 student handbooks as presented.

 

Purchase of Curricular Materials:

EPES MyView Literacy. The elementary school adoption committee recommended the quote from Pearson for MyView Literacy as presented.

WCMS Achieve 3000. The middle school adoption committee recommended the quote from Achieve 3000 as presented. The program is differentiated to each student. And it is not replacing the curriculum, it is supplementing. After discussion, the board approved the purchase of the curricular materials as presented.

 

Amended 2019-20 School Year Calendar:

Foster presented the amended calendar to incorporate eLearning Days and Professional Development Days. After discussion, the board approved the amended 2019-20 School Year Calendar as presented.

 

Classified Staff 2019 IDOE Approved Waiver Days:

Foster stated that the 2018-19 winter season was not overly kind regarding school delays and cancellations. In total, Eastern Pulaski closed a total of nine times during the school year due to inclement weather (ice, snow/drifting snow, and record low temperatures). In recognizing the difficulties of this winter, the Indiana Department of Education implemented a process for corporations to apply for a waiver. EPCS was approved for two waived days. Because of the delays and cancellations many hourly employees missed two days of income. Therefore, he recommended paying hourly employees for these two waived days. After discussion, the board voted to approve the classified staff waived days as presented.

 

Projects:

Football Concession Stand and Press Box Roof Work - Two quotes were received to install a new metal roof on both structures to alleviate leaking, as well as can lighting at the concession stand. Button Construction from Star City was recommended due to being the low quote.

Concession Stand Electrical Work - Three quotes were received to install a new 200 amp single phase feed from the existing service to the main entrance. Busse Electric from North Judson was recommended.

After discussion, the board approved Button Construction, pending insurance verification, and Busse Electric as presented.

 

Building Level Reports:

Mrs. Collins, Mr. Foster (for Mr. Dickinson) and Mr. DeFries shared end-of-year activities from their respective buildings. Field trips, final assessments, award programs, banquets, concerts, and athletic events were shared.

 

Superintendent’s Report:

Foster thanked all those who served on all the committees. He commended the spring programs. The LAJSSC attorney is working to clarify who can work on the grant for Special Education. The ISBA regional meeting is approaching. The families of Mrs. Gayle Conner and Mr. Larry Link were given condolences on their passing.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending April 30. All funds had positive balances. After discussion, the board approved all claims as presented

 

Board Comment:

During board comment the valedictorian and salutatorian and their families were congratulated. Dr. Sweeney, Mrs. Allen and Mr. Johnson were thanked for their years of service. Those who worked on the curriculum committees were thanked. Mr. Foster was commended for hosting the recent North Central Indiana Superintendent’s Study Council meeting and being president. Mr. DeFries was thanked for his years of service. The staff was thanked for their efforts on behalf of students.

  
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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.