The board also approved the handbook language that would allow non-enrolled students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, at West Central.
Superintendent Dan Zylstra reported student enrollment was officially 710 at the February count day, and it has dipped below that number as of March 5. With student numbers projected to be down next fall, administrators are reviewing staffing levels for 2020-21 to ensure the district has the right number of staff for the number of students.
Zylstra also reported administrators and counselors are meeting to discuss contingency plans for the coronavirus should any students in West Central test positive and school would have to close for a period of time.
Zylstra reported the school corporation website revisions are in progress. He also said the corporation is moving toward paperless checks this spring for employees.
The superintendent told the board all residents of the district will receive a mailer with information about Kindergarten Round Up, as well as informative information about the district.
Personnel items
The board approved employment for:
- David Allen - Varsity Baseball Coach
- Corey Howat - Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach
- Scott Owens - Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach
The board approved personal leave requests from Cathy Risner and Ashley Bean.
Other business
The board approved a field trip request from Abby Beall and Stephanie Thilges for the art classes in grades 9-12 to visit the Chicago Art Institute.
The school board presented Levi Miller with a certificate honoring him for being selected as February Student of the Month at the elementary school level. Certificates were also presented to Jenna Marlatt for being so honored at the middle school level, and Mercy Wuethrich at the high school level.
The board reviewed the second reading of amendments to the district’s CDL Testing Policy. The board then voted to approve the second reading as presented.
Approval was given to the 2020-21 school board meeting dates.
Principal Reports
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson reported the elementary has wrapped up Friendship Month. The students also had fun joining the middle/high school activities during in FFA Week. The Petting Zoo was a big hit again.
Mrs. Lowry gave information on dyslexia and the new state requirements, and iStation came for more training on the pilot reading program during the two most recent Thursday Personnel Development sessions. Valuable information was given at both sessions.
State testing is around the corner. Third grade will take the IREAD March 16-20.
The most exciting news is being awarded an IN-MaC (Indiana Manufacturer)Innovation and Design Studio grant through Purdue University. This equipment will be in a dedicated room and bring STEM and manufacturing skills to life for the students. The school is waiting on paperwork to finalize its acceptance.
Middle/high school principal Scott Ritchie reported the Certified Nursing Assistant State exam was Feb. 28. West Central had eight students successfully pass the skills examination of the test. Now four of those students are ready for employment as a CNA and have accepted a job at a local nursing home. The school also has a group of students who are competing March 5-6 in the FCCLA competition at its state convention.
The school did start using Achieve 3000 in grades 6-8.
The school has simplified its severe weather plans and will practice with the new locations later this month.
Natalie Kennedy, Jaden Cords and Nathan Thompson all received gold at the State level at Solo and Ensemble. The trio of Maranda Thompson, Jaden Cords and Hunter Schultz received Silver.
The school board met in executive session following the regular board meeting, in accordance with state law, to discuss performance evaluation of individual employees.
