The action to hire Chezem came during a special session of the EPCS Monday evening (Nov. 11). She succeeds Dan Foster who resigned in June to accept a position at another school in Veedersburg. Dr. Gib Crimmins has served as interim superintendent at EPCS since July.

Chezem has previously served as principal at Loogootee Elementary School and at Van Duyn Elementary in South Vermillion School Corporation, in addition to other administration and teaching positions. She earned a degree in elementary education and teaching from Indiana Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in counselor education/school counseling and guidance services from Purdue University, and received certification in educational administration/educational leadership and administration, general, from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

She and her husband Kent have a daughter who recently graduated from Hanover College and is employed in Indianapolis, and a son who is a student at Butler University.

In other business, the school board approved a new contract with the Eastern Pulaski Classroom Teachers Association, upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Dr. Gil Crimmins. Under the 2019-20 teacher contract, returning teachers rated “effective” or “highly-effective” will receive a $500 pay raise, plus a $400 stipend. Teachers receive raises based on their evaluations (80 percent) and experience (20 percent). Any teachers receiving an evaluation as “ineffective” or “needs improvement” will not be eligible for a raise, unless they are in their first two years of teaching.

Earlier, no public comments were made at a hearing concerning the proposed new agreement, which also covers provisions for leaves of absence, retirement and insurance benefits and other items. (See contract here http://www.epulaski.k12.in.us/wp-content/uploads/TentativeMasterContract.pdf)

The board also approved a 2 percent increase for all support staff and administrators, as recommended by Dr. Crimmins, except for high school principal JeremyTucker who just began a new contract in July. 

Dr. Crimmins gave a financial report for the period ending Oct. 31.  After discussion, the board approved all claims as submitted.

The board voted to approve the TAG Grant recommendation of giving an equal amount to building administrators who received an effective or highly effective evaluation last year.

Superintendent’s report

Dr. Crimmins reported on the following:

• He read an article on public education.

• He commended drama director Patrick Schuttrow, students and volunteers for another great performance during fall play.

• He also commended the three school buildings for their Veterans’ Day Programs.

• Mrs. Richwine and Mr. King were thanked for their presentation – mental health is a serious matter.

Personnel

 Anita Mitchell submitted her resignation as Media Assistant/Lunch Room Assistant, effective Jan. 1. She has served 33 years at EPCS. Tthe board thanked her for her years of service.

Evan Rose was recommended as the sixth-grade volunteer coach.

Principal reports

 The following was shared by Dr. Crimmins on behalf of elementary school teacher Jill  Collins:

• EPES hosted its first "Student Celebration Assembly" Nov. 8. Students were recognized for their perfect attendance and honor roll achievements.

• EPES will hold its annual food drive Nov. 18-22. The school corporation is grateful for the generosity of its students each year as we help the Pulaski County Food Pantry and Pulaski Animal Center with the donations. Students are striving to collect 500+ items so that Mrs. Collins will wear a turkey costume on the day before Thanksgiving vacation.

•The school is excited to send the EPES Spell Bowl team to North Judson on Nov. 18.  Special thanks to Dana Field for being the spell bowl coach and to the students for their efforts preparing to proudly represent the school.

• On Nov. 21, the elementary school will host its annual Grandparent's Family Literacy Night at 6 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy some milk, cookies, and books as well as learn a little about what school was like when their grandparents were in elementary school as they do some "interviewing" about the “good 'ol days!”

• Cindy Clauson, a WNDU Meteorologist, will visit the fourth grade on Nov. 21 for her "Read Across Michiana" goal. EPES is one of the 100 schools selected for her to read with.

• On Friday, Nov. 22, the PTA will hold its annual "Movie Night.”  All look forward to a fun family event.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported on the following:

• Throughout this semester the seventh-grade students will receive lessons from Junior Achievement.  JA is program where professionals from the community come to visit the students and share real world knowledge on such things as budgeting to career options, as well as many other real world applications. This year the JA volunteers are Sheila Jimenez, Kelly Gaumer, Kim Hanson, and Bev Thompson-Krasner .

• Science teacher Steve Slaven is working with the Science Olympiad team with competitions to begin soon.

• The Winamac Junior Honor Society and the FOR Clubs have held events and campaigns. The biggest hit has been the Halloween dance. 

• Boys basketball teams have all gotten underway with their seasons. 

• Teacher Erica Richwine has been leading with mindfulness tactics for MS students.

• The MS attended a Veterans Day program that the high school organized, which was a very nice program. Teacher Ron Nies and the sixth graders displayed flags around the campus to show support and gratitude to all of the veterans with pictures and name signs in the building.  Additionally, Mrs. Richwine and the sixth graders made numerous treat bags for care packages for current military members.

• Mr. King, guidance counselor, is visiting with each grade level routinely to provide students with min-lessons on counseling issues with such as topics as coping skills, social understanding, preparation for the future, etc.

•Each and every teacher is implementing social-emotional learning tactics into their classrooms. Particularly, social-emotional activities are taking place during SET times.

High school principal Jeremy Tucker reported on the following:

• The drama department put on another exceptional play. Director Patrick Schuttrow did a fantastic job of getting the most out of the students. The show was truly entertaining and students did an amazing job with a show that required European accents and a knowledge of European culture.

• Winter sports are underway.

• The Veterans Day program went very well and multiple compliments were received.

• ISTEP retakes will take place in the coming weeks.

Board comment: Mrs. Chezem was welcomed. Mr. Austin and Administrator Assistance were thanked for their efforts during the superintendent search.  Mrs. Mitchell was recognized and thanked for her years of service. Mr. Schuttrow, students and volunteers were commended for another great performance during the fall play. The three schools were commended for their Veterans’ Day Programs.