The public hearing was for the 2021 budget, capital projects plan, and bus replacement plan. Superintendent Dan Zylstra went over items in the budget. Board president Jeff Lowry asked for questions or comments. Hearing none, the 2021 budget hearing was closed.

Zylstra reported West Central has received a $40,000 School Safety Grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The monies will be used to increase the number of security cameras around the campus and grounds and eliminate blind spots currently in existence.

The superintendent reported several staff members are interested in getting their school bus driving license. The coursework has moved online, so an equitable plan for compensating the costs of taking the coursework is in the works.

Zylstra also led a discussion with the board on continued improvements to the building and grounds, including upgrades to the bus barn, cosmetic improvements in the gyms, and other meaningful facility improvements to spruce up the grounds.

Personnel

The school board accepted the retirement of kindergarten teacher Becky DeWitt.

The board also held a discussion on the increased frequency of mid-year retirements and resignations by teachers. Understanding that some personal circumstances might warrant such decisions, it was agreed by board members that this situation was not in the best interest of students or the school due to the disruption in continuity.

The board voted to employ Ashlund Smolek as fifth- and sixth-grade volleyball coach.

The board also approved a leave request for Harold Rogers, a request for a planned absence.

Additional items

Approval was given for an additional performance for the high school fall play at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18. The board also granted a request for a Sunday performance of the grades 5-12 band and choir concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20.

The board voted to approve a resolution for the lease of property.