In other business, Superintendent Cathy Rowe reported West Central has received a WHIN (Wabash Heartland Innovation Network) grant for interactive televisions for about a dozen classrooms.

Also in her report, Dr. Rowe:

• Commented that she appreciated parents’ patience and understanding through the recent ELearning days and delays for weather.
• Reported other schools have visited to observe West Central’s welding program and health occupations program for ideas to start their own programs.
• Reported the school will hopefully be offering summer school this summer.
• Reminded parents of middle/senior high school parent teacher conferences on Feb. 8; and board strategic planning on Feb. 16.
• Reported teachers will be involved with curriculum mapping on Feb. 24.
• Noted the end of the third nine-weeks grading period will be March 10.
• Reported the school will be making a decision on either retaining its current student information system, ALMA, or transitioning to a new SIS next year (June), so discussions will begin this fall.
• Recommended that the board consider investigating the use of ISBA policies.

The board voted to set the board meetings and dates to remain the same as they currently are, which is the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

“Student of the Month” certificates were presented to middle/high school winner Braya Kyburz and elementary recipient Gabriella Madlung.

Personnel

The school board approved the following resignations and retirements, as presented:

• Lori Skalon - WCES Secretary retirement effective May 26.
• Rachel Neeley - CSS effective Jan. 27.
• Kelsey Hershman - Custodian

The board voted to employ the following persons, as presented:

• Sara Strus - PBIS Coordinator 2022-23 school year pending Letter of Assurance
• Conner Fritz - Volunteer; MS Wrestling Coach
• Cameron Owens - Volunteer; MS Wrestling Coach

The board approved a change-in-status request for Kim Grogan, elementary cafeteria, from full time to part time.

The board approved the following leave requests, as presented:

• Marci Kennedy - March 24.
• McKenzie Neeley (Boehning) - May 21-28.
• Kelly Jackson - March 22-24.

The board approved the Letter of Assurance between the West Central Classroom Teachers Association and the District to add a PBIS Coordinator for the 2022-23 school year.

A field trip request was approved for the FCCLA State Convention field trip for March 5-7.

The board voted to approve the WC Football request for use of facilities without charge.

The board voted to approve the Indiana ESC School Food Cooperative agreement seeking renewal of cafeteria food/commodities, dairy and produce for the 2023-24 school year.

The board voted to accept the work for school parking lot crack filling, seal coating and restriping from Siders Asphalt Maintenance.

Principal reports

Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared that the elementary staff was able to work with Dina Emser with a refresher on “Positive Discipline” this month. Review was given on previous work with Dina, and additional information was given on how to proactively handle behaviors, and to address specific areas of concern from staff.

The first E Learning days of this year went fairly smoothly. The school had about 88 percent participation each day.

The school has continued with its progress monitoring schedule with K-2. This is allowing staff to see trends and identify needs to be addressed. They have gained ideas on how to adjust the timing and which assessments to use for next year.

Awards were handed out for first semester. The building had 13 students achieve perfect attendance. Grades 4-6 recognized academic performance with 41 students getting A/B Honor Roll and 18 students receiving straight A’s.

Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke remarked the school almost made it through January “before Old Man Winter reared his ugly head, but the little break was nice.”

This past month the school had three staff members, Stephanie Thilges, Jennifer Johns, and Kenley Newbauer all receive grants from The Cheryl Lynn Welter Foundation. Mrs. Thilges and Mrs. Johns were using theirs to help with the cost of their students’ Serv Safe and Certified Nursing Assistant certifications. Mrs. Newbuaer’s went towards the Comfort Closet and weekend meals. Mrs. Newbauer put on a bullying presentation for the middle school students.

The WIDA testing is well under way, thanks to Mrs. Kennedy.

The students who were on Honor Roll and High Honor Roll during the first semester were recognized during lunch. The sophomore class won the traveling attendance trophy for their outstanding attendance in December, and the middle/high school won the traveling trophy for the school with the best attendance in December.

The wrestling team placed second in sectionals out of 12 teams. WCHS has 10 out of 14 wrestlers advancing to regionals. Hayden Fritz, Drake Fritz, Zach Gilger, and Buzz Beiswanger all won their weight classes. Regionals will take place Feb. 4 in Logansport.

Public comment was given by Cindy Kruger and Dee Messer.