Zylstra also reported the state is changing the requirements for eLearning days due to weather, and West Central will be seeking input on how to adjust its procedures to meet the new requirement.
The superintendent also reported:
- West Central is advertising for a food service director to work alongside the current director for the next year to train for eventually taking over.
- Due to delays the new bus, which was ordered in the fall of 2021, will begin production in the fall of 2022.
- Summer projects include the continued moving of records from the old central office up to the main campus, as well as deep-cleaning the campus and performing the usual summer maintenance.
- Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 29.
Public comment
Mike Lattimore shared his appreciation for current administrators Dan Zylstra and Angie Radtke, thanking Mrs. Radtke for her work building a positive culture at the middle and high school and wishing Zylstra the best as he transitions to a new position in another district. He also encouraged the board to continue employing Richard Warren as the athletic director because of the positive momentum in the current athletics programs.
Jason Bunger spoke and shared similar sentiments, noting how the enthusiasm and involvement of Mr. Warren has created a strong athletic culture which would benefit the school as a whole if it can be perpetuated. School board president Kyle McTeigue thanked them for their attendance and their input.
Personnel
The board approved the following for employment, as presented:
- Sally Bathke - Fifth Grade Maternity Leave
- Susan Ames - CTE Graphic Design Teacher
- Steven Sholey - Boys Golf Coach
- Michaela Shively - Elementary Teacher
Approval was given to the retirements of the following:
- Doreen Gudeman - Instructional Assistant
- Krystal Woodard - Custodian
- Harold Rogers - Custodian
- Cathy Purtzer - Cooperative School Services
The board accepted the resignations of the following, as presented:
- Dylan Bailey - High School English Teacher
- Shelley Hesla - Cooperative School Services
- Katie Bell Ferrer - Cooperative School Services
- Jennifer Mellon - 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
- Teri Rickaby - Elementary Music/Choir Teacher
Action items
The board approved a resolution authorizing disposal of worthless surplus property that has no market value as per IC 5-22-22-8.
Approval was given to the NIESC Food Services Contract as presented.
A second reading of changes to the Corporation Collection of Debt Policy was held. The board then approved the changes.
The board voted to increase non-certified wages as proposed.
Approval was given to the elementary and middle/high school handbook revisions, as presented.
The board voted to approve the updated internet acceptable use and safety policy, as presented.
The board approved a motion to adopt the elementary, middle, and high school math textbooks, as presented.
The board approved the contract with Precision Control Systems for work on the welding shop HVAC system upgrade.
A motion was approved to send out letters of intent to employ for non-certified staff for the 2022-23 school year.
The board voted to approve the Medaryville Nursery School Collaboration and Lease Agreement, as presented.
The board approved the Memorandum of Understanding to add a middle school assistant track coach.
Principal reports
Elementary Principal Mike Carlson shared that the elementary school was happy to invite people to the Spring Music Program. This was the first program since December 2019. An enjoyable time was had by all, and the students’ and Mrs. Rickaby’s work showed in the performance.
Professional development has continued with the Science of Reading, and teachers also had two presentations for math textbook adoption. K-5 will continue with iReady and 6th grade will use Envision.
Kindergarten Round Up went smoothly. A small number of students had to come on a different day.
ILEARN testing is complete, this also went smoothly with limited absences and no technical glitches.
The county-wide spelling bee was held May 4 at Eastern Pulaski. West Central was represented well. In fourth grade, Zoey Lewark placed second and Ethan Phillips placed third. Isaac Warner placed third in fifth grade.
Congratulations to the Math Bowl Team. They traveled to Logansport and won their division. Students competed at the Battle of the Books at Frontier on the same day. The sixth grade team of Emily Zylstra placed second, and the fifth grade team of Elliott Gutwein, Tucker Gudeman, Envee Echterling-Grandchamp, and Beau Skinner-Lindahl also placed second. Both teams missed first place by one point. The fourth grade team of Ryder Leman, John Whaley, and Chase Kaeb placed fourth.
Grandparents’ Day is returning to the elementary school May 6. Over 320 grandparents and special friends will be joining their kids for the activities in the afternoon. Classes are now wrapping up the final testing in reading and math.
There are a lot of activities happening to finish out the year from field trips, the kickball tourney, awards program, and track and field day. Mr. Carlson thanked the PTC for the daily treats and thinking of them for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Middle/High School Principal Angie Radtke reported that there is so much to do, so little time left in which to do it!
The middle schoolers finished up ILEARN and are getting ready to take NWEA.
The staff is finalizing both the middle school and high school master schedules for next year.
Lifewise will be offered in the middle school as an elective on a nine-week rotation. Almost half of the students are currently signed up to participate.
Nineteen students were able to attend the senior trip to Florida and they had a wonderful time.
The high school students with good grades and no incident reports for the second semester attended a South Bend Cubs game. There were 132 students who were eligible to go.
The choir and jazz band put on a successful cabaret Sunday (May 1).
Mr. Amsler took a group of welding students to Standard Industrial on a field trip. Standard Industrial donated 24 new welding helmets and replacement covers to the students.
Thanks to Mr. Scutchfield’s marketing class, West Central will be hosting the very first job fair May 6. There are 25 businesses signed up to attend.
It is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Mrs. Radtke wanted to say how thankful she is for all of the hardworking teachers and support staff. She also thanked the parents who donated and helped supply the delicious trail mix bar and ice cream sundae bar as well as the Winamac McDonalds for donating the breakfast sandwiches and Medaryville Subway for donating sandwiches. What a blessing to work in such a great community!
