Concerns regarding the bargaining process were raised by a group of teachers attending the Oct. 21 meeting of the school board. Kate Daily, president of the teachers association spoke on behalf of the teachers, stressing the vital need to be able to attract and retain excellent teachers in the school system. She reported the association had yet to see a contract proposal from the school administration as a deadline draws near that would require mediation in the bargaining process. The teachers association had earlier submitted its own proposal.

In other business, the school board conducted a public hearing on the 2020 Budget as presented. The public hearing is a statutory requirement as part of the budget process whereby patrons are allowed to offer comments or ask questions. Following the opportunity for public comment, the hearing was closed.

A public hearing was also conducted in regard to the proposed Superintendent contract.  No comments were made.

Acting superintendent Dr. Gil Crimmins reported on the following:

• Final Enrollment Figures: 1,195.26 students

• Special Education

• Riley Recognition Certificate

• ISBA Regional Meeting – Nov.18. Deke DeMarco, Joe Cunningham, Beth Ruff, and Rob Zeider will attend.

• School Projects:

1. Bus Barn Small Roof

2. Outdoor learning Area Barn

• E-Learning Day – Nov. 13

Dr. Crimmins gave a financial report for the period ending Sept. 30. He noted that the operation fund currently has a negative balance. After discussion, the board approved a motion to approve all claims as presented.

The board voted to approve the following resolutions: Pension Debt Neutrality, 2020 Transfer from Education to Operations Fund, and the Authority to Modify Budgets.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported that the professional development and/or collaboration topics have been school safety, Elearning, NWEA/ILEARN data review, Achieve 3000, and PBIS. He said without professional development time, the middle school would not have been nearly as successful with any of these initiatives. He added the time will continue to be used productively to make WMCS the best school possible.

 

Personnel

Jennifer Weissmann and Jennifer Kilgore submitted their resignations as elementary school custodians.

Whitney Schmicker was approved for sixth-grade girls basketball coach

 

Other action items

After discussion, the board approved a grant application for an outdoor classroom.

Gabe Benninghoff presented a request to upgrade the Elementary Outdoor Lab through a Scouting project. After discussion, the board voted to approve the Outdoor Lab request.

The high school will look to clarify the policy and consider AP classes as weighted grades in the 2020-21 student handbook.  There will be no change in weighted grades this current school year.

The board approved a $250 donation from Gibraltar Design. 

After discussion, the board approved the Middle School ECA Participation recommendation, which will eliminate the three consecutive years of homeschool for consideration. 

After discussion, the board approved the school improvement plans.

After discussion, the board approved the TAG Policy recommendation.

After discussion, approval was given to the Pre-School Grant participation.

After discussion, the board approved the Logansport Joint Services contract.

After discussion, approval was given to the prom location of Chesapeake Run Golf Course in North Judson.

After discussion, the board approved the field trip requests for Sunshine Society, Student Council, and Culinary Arts.  Board member Rob Zeider abstained from voting on the Student Council trip due to it being his event they will be attending.

Carol Short asked to have a bench installed on campus to honor her father, Richard Warner, who served on the school board for 10 years. After discussion, the board approved the bench.

 

Principal reports

Elementary school principal Jill Collinsreported that the elementary school will strive to achieve an A-rating by the Indiana Department of Education and maintain a school attendance rate that meets or exceeds 97%. The school strives to achieve 90%-plus of students meeting or exceeding established benchmarks on all assessments including the IREAD3, ILEARN, MCLASS, and NWEA.  Mrs. Collins also reported that they had very successful parent-teacher conferences and 94% participation was achieved. The upcoming open house, dance, presentations, and field trips, and details for Red Ribbon Week and “Tips For Teachers” were also shared.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinsonreported some updates concerning fall sports teams, upcoming field trips and school dances. He also reported on Achieve 3000 and that WCMS is the only school in the multi-state area that had 100% of its students a complete pre-assessment. 

High school principal Jeremy Tuckerreported on graduation pathways, recent field trips that were taken, and the success of cross country runners Kate Collins and Ryan Huggler becoming semi-state qualified.

 

Board comments:

Tim Rausch commented on the community support and donations that were presented. Aaron Campbell commented on the Boy Scout projects presented and made mention of how much they have done for our community. He Campbell also commented on the weighted grade issue and that Jaylynn Hall made a great presentation. Larry Beach agreed with Campbell regarding Ms. Hall’s presentation. 

 

Public Comments:

Teachers’ Association president Kate Daily commented on the bargaining process. Bus drivers Tami Powell and Connie Ingram and teacher/bus driver, Alison Sehstedt commented on issues they are having. Jaylynn Hall thanked the board for listening to her presentation last month and commented on the issues she still has. Gabe Benninghoff shared his concern on the location of the new learning lab.

  
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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

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 out break 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.