Superintendent Dan Zylstra reported he met with pool specialists to assess some of the needs of the pool. The consultants noted the perimeter drains need to be replaced, as well as other piping underneath the pool. The main mechanicals, which were last replaced in 2001, need to be updated substantially to meet existing codes. Also, any HVAC work in the rooftop unit will need to incorporate evacuator pumps.

Zylstra said the scope of the project needs to be fully understood before smaller pieces of the project can be worked on individually. The board will continue to gather information.

The superintendent reported the summer HVAC project is 99 percent complete, with a few small mechanical issues being addressed. The demolition and removal of the old main air handler is scheduled for Christmas break.

Concluding his report, Zylstra thanked the board, teachers, staff, and community at large for making the first semester “a huge success. The goal has been to maintain as normal a school year as possible for the sake of student learning. Thus far, we have accomplished this.”

The school board conducted a public hearing at the meeting to provide an opportunity for public comment on West Central’s Return-to-Learn Plan as part of the requirements for ESSER Funds, which is posted on the district website. There were no public comments.

Personnel

Employment was approved for the following:

• Benjamin Gudas - STEM Instructional Assistant
• Tyson Mellon - Varsity Girls Basketball Coach
• Mindy Lovely - 5th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
• Michael Holle - 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
• Dylan Bailey - High School English Teacher

The board accepted the resignation of STEM instructional assistant Brooklyn Radtke.

A personal leave request was approved for Amber Leman.

The board voted to approve the non-certified contract adjustments, as presented.

The board approved the distribution of the 2021Teacher Appreciation Grant monies to teachers, and to award the same amounts to administrators from the education fund.

Approval was voted for the updated principal contracts, as presented.

The board voted to approve COVID-19 stipends for administrators under the same terms as the master contract and non-certified staff members. (Superintendent Zylstra noted he had forgotten to include them in the November’s board meeting.)

End-of-year resolutions

The board voted to approve the resolution, as presented, authorizing the transfer of $50,000 from the rainy day fund to the education fund. Zylstra noted the teacher and staff salary increases for this year would have a negative impact on the cash balance in the education fund. A spokesperson said the board was “pleased to provide the increases to the excellent staff members for their hard work.” An allowable use of the rainy day fund is to assist with cash flow needs. This move will work to keep the education fund cash balance at the state board of accounts’ recommended 18 percent.

The board also approved a resolution to transfer up to $50,000 per month from the education fund to the operations fund during the 2022 budget year.

A resolution to balance accounts was approved by the school board, as presented.

Principal reports

Elementary Principal Mike Carlson shared that the student council exceeded its goal during the food drive. All of the students were treated with popcorn and a movie for their generosity.

Carlson reported the principal conference he attended was “very good and there were many great ideas presented. Some of these will be included in the Thursday professional development times.

They school will continue its work on the Science of Reading, and will also incorporate some other data and math instruction.

There are now 219 students attending Lifewise Academy, which is roughly 75 percent of the eligible students. It has been running very smoothly for West Central.

The Christmas program for K-2 is Thursday, Dec. 16.

Middle/High School Principal Angie Radtke reported Jennifer Johns and her student council students put on “a great Veteran’s Day Program.” Judge Michael Shurn was the speaker, and the veterans and their families had a meal provided by the cafeteria in the media center.

Mrs. Newbauer teamed up with Mandy Nielsen from Purdue Extension and hosted the Reality Store for the eighth grade students.

The teachers have been working on their curriculum outlines. Next week the middle school, ninth-, and 10th-grade students will all take the NWEA tests.

Final exams for high school students are scheduled for the Monday and Tuesday before break.