The superintendent also updated the board on the following:
- A quick construction report was given on the band/choir project.
- Information was shared with board members concerning the ISBA Fall Regional meetings with several board members indicating that they were interested in attending.
- School officials are currently having student information system vendor presentations since the contract with ALMA expires next summer.
- Textbook rental alerts went out to parents so information could be collected for a state report, but textbook rental fees for the 2023-24 school year are not being assessed.
- Information concerning an ADM of 620 was shared with the public as well.
In other business, Dr. Rowe introduced representatives from the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County who presented to the board and families about their programming. According to its website, the organization has been in the forefront of youth development in St. Joseph County for 49 years, providing opportunities for young people through before school care, after school care, and summer programs. Dr. Rowe noted that there were 46 responses to the Boys and Girls Club survey that had been sent out to West Central parents which she said was “very promising.” Later in the meeting, the school board voted to approve the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County proposal.
The school board presented Student of the Month recognition to MS/HS student Conner Huber.
The board also recognized National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist Spencer Leman’s family on Spencer’s accomplishment, and hopes to have Spencer recognized at the November board meeting.
Personnel items
The board accepted the resignations of Amy Gulyban and Maribeth Benesh.
Approval was given to the employment of the following, as presented:
- Kathy McBride - Cafeteria Staff
- Shannon Scott - Cafeteria Staff
- Karl Harris - Custodian (4 hours)
- Brittany Spoonemore - Sunshine
- Haley Tapper - Math Bowl
- Samantha Heims - Lego/Robotics
- Kellis Gutwein - Unit Leader K
- Marilyn Bernal - Unit Leader 1
- Joy Schlatter - Unit Leader 2
- Terri Ray - Unit Leader 3
- Leanna Nielsen - Unit Leader 4
- Haley Tapper - Unit Leader 5
- Kathy Minnick - Unit Leader 6
- Kasey Lowry - Unit Leader Specials, Special Education, Counselor
- Mike Lattimore - 7th Grade Boys Basketball
Leave requests were approved for Shannon Scott, Nov. 20-21, and Haley Tapper, Dec. 4-8.
Action items
Approval was given to the WC girls basketball league, and also to the WC football league for requests for use of facilities, as presented.
The board passed a motion to approve the addition to the West Central Middle/High School Handbook regarding an updated cellphone/earbud policy.
Approval was given to the bus rental agreements for the Francesville First Baptist Church, as presented.
The board voted to approve the West Central Elementary School, and Middle/High School and Improvement Plans, as presented.
The first reading of board policies was approved as presented.
Approval was given to the West Central FFA to attend the National Conference held Nov. 1-3, in Indianapolis. The board also approved a motion for the school’s FFA to attend the SOAR Leadership Conference Oct. 6-8,
Principal reports
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared that the PTC continues to be invaluable in supporting the students. They staffed a successful Book Fair, and during that week hosted Grandparents Day. Hundreds of Grandparents and special friends were welcomed in. Students enjoyed doing activities in their classrooms, sharing a snack, having their picture taken, and shopping at the Book Fair with friends and family. Many positive comments were given.
The great weather has been perfect as field trips began. Fifth grade visited Beyond Boundaries for team-building activities. First grade tried somewhere new and went to South Bend to visit Potawatomi Zoo, and Second Grade all returned with their own pumpkins from Kent’s Cucurbits.
The early release time was used to work on math curriculum maps, look at textbooks to align the reduced standards, and add iReady Standards Mastery tests to the grades 3-5 maps.
Dyslexia screening is complete, and that is one piece that will be shared at the upcoming conferences.
Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke said September was a busy month. The school celebrated Homecoming, with the student council doing a great job of planning fun activities. Queen candidates were Jaden Erb, Madison Rodriguez, Mara Sharpe, and Allie Sanders. King candidates were Josiah Rodriguez, Connor Marlatt, Blake Hughes, and Hayden Fritz. Jaden Erb and Blake Hughes were crowned queen and king. The seniors won Hike ‘em Spike ‘em. Freshman won the golf cart theme and the pep session relays.
The Francesville American Legion Post 228 donated a much needed new flagpole and flag to the school.
The West Central Youth Football League and the Booster Club purchased a 25-foot WC logo for the middle of the football field.
The seniors won the attendance competition at 98.5%.
Spencer Leman is a 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist, which is a huge honor.
Radtke took six teachers to Monticello recently to learn more about “The Science of Reading.” They learned the neuroscience behind reading and many great strategies to help students. The staff members came back and presented the material to the rest of the staff during the professional development time. Teachers are already implementing the strategies, and are getting lots of great feedback.
Executive session
The school board met in executive session following the regular meeting for the purpose of collective bargaining.
