During the hearing on the master contract, West Central Teachers Association spokesman Dave Reif reported on a “positive bargaining experience,” noting everyone worked together to raise the salaries to the minimum as mandated by the state a year early. He added It was a complex situation, but it was worked through quickly and efficiently. A raise for the teachers was a positive start to the year. The Teachers Association is looking forward to working with Dr. Rowe.
Dr. Rowe noted that she was also looking forward to a good year with staff and students. “It is encouraging to see new students, and as enrollment grows, we will have more funds with which to work. West Central has a lot to offer and we can each encourage new enrollment.”
In other business, the school board voted to approve the architect/design firm of Moake Park Group for updates on the band/choir rooms. The firm, established in 1988, is located in Fort Wayne and has completed projects workplaces, education, health care, performing arts, sports and recreation, and more. A timeline on the project has not been determined.
Personnel
The board approved the following resignations as presented:
- Sherri Cameron - Corporation Secretary
- Kris Ashbrenner - Technology Director
Approval was given to employ the following as presented:
- Lisa Hughes - Elementary Special Education
- Whitney Labuda - 5/6th Grade Volleyball Coach
- Savanna Button - 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
- Chloe Balough - 7th Grade Volleyball Coach
- Nate Neeley - Assistant HS Football Coach
- Marc Hall - Varsity Football Head Coach
- Tyler Napier - Assistant HS Football Coach
- Greg Buschman - Assistant HS Football Coach
- Ben Gudas - MS Football Coach
- Tonya Wall - Varsity Volleyball Head Coach
- Shannon Fritz - JV Volleyball Coach
- Jeremy Glasford - Cross Country Varsity Head Coach
- Adam Huber - Cross Country MS Head Coach
- Lisa Mahaffey - Elementary/MS Music/Choir and Elementary Instructional Assistant
- Amanda Dunne - Cafeteria
- Wyatt Daniels - MS Football Assistant Coach
- Bernard White - Basketball, Head Coach
- Kelsey Erb - Cheerleader Sponsor, High School
Leave requests were approved for the following as presented:
- Kayla Butterfield - Personal
- Haley Tapper - Personal
- Megan Hunsley - Maternity Leave
The board approved an overnight professional development conference request as presented for Mike Carlson to attend the Indiana School Safety Academy
Action Items
The board voted to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for dual credit courses with Ivy Tech Community College as presented.
Approval was given for a facility usage request with no fee as a service to the community for the Francesville Fall Festival Mini Triathlon
Approval was also given to approve a mini bus rental from Cornerstone Assembly Church.
The board approved an early graduation request, special circumstances appeal, as presented.
The board voted to approve the McGriff insurance renewal through September 2023
A motion was approved to recognize the West Central School Corporation SA-5 report.
The FCCLA presentation to the board was postponed until the October meeting.
Administrator Reports
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson was happy to share that the elementary is off to a good start. They have welcomed several new students and families to the building. There are currently 40 kindergarten students. This is a slightly smaller class than the former sixth-grade class that moved on to the middle school.
The unplanned drill(s) went “amazingly” well. Students were out of the building quickly, moved to the middle/high school, and the cafeteria staff mobilized and fed the students there. Everyone worked together and helped where needed.
Benchmarking for reading and math is almost complete.
Picture day is Sept. 7.
If the first early release professional development for staff is any indication, the new format will allow the time to be utilized more effectively. Carlson thanked the board for approving this early release time.
Superintendent Cathy Rowe reported that the presentations made by Principal Carlson, Mrs. Kennedy, and Mrs. Ashley for staff professional development went very well and were well received.
The new public address system is mostly complete with some small things to be finished outside.
West Central was grateful to receive a donation from the Pulaski County Retired Teachers Association of about $400 to be divided between the school nurse and the comfort closet.
Pictures for MS/HS will be Sept. 8.
There were two unplanned evacuations this week that went well with staff working as a team to keep everyone safe. Administrators are working together to continue to make improvements on emergency plans.
