The Moake representatives noted that while there were several building maintenance projects on the list of improvements, they are also hoping to find room to include some other aesthetic improvements to several of the areas.
In other business, the school board, after discussion, gave its approval to a facilities rental agreement with Eastern Pulaski Schools for the use of the West Central pool to be used for swimming lessons. The lessons will be provided to elementary students.
In her superintendent’s report, Dr. Cathy Rowe told the board that the new high school food service line has been installed and is a much needed improvement.
She also:
- Gave an update on the band/choir area saying that a water leak had caused some water concerns in the area and that they are currently working on replacing those items that were damaged.
- Gave a brief overview of a discovery trip to Grand Canyon University and the opportunities that could be afforded to West Central high school students with regard to dual credit.
- Announced that Friday, Feb. 9 will be a snow make up day, and early release is set for Feb. 23.
Student of the Month recognition was given to middle/high school student Josiah Rodriguez and the elementary school’s selection Jeradiah Neeley.
Personnel Items
The board approved the retirement of Bertha Todd - WC Cafeteria Retirement.
The following employments were approved, as presented:
- Amanda Davis - Cafeteria staff
- Samantha Garlach - Pay adjustment for days worked
- Joan Kiersma - 5th Grade Unit Leader (second semester)
- Joan Kiersma - Elementary Math Bowl
- Amanda Shedrow - CSS Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
- Quentin Harper - Volunteer track coach
- Janet Krueger - Paid afterschool tutor
- Shannon Fritz - MS Wrestling volunteer
- Brandon Williams - Volunteer assistant MS Wrestling coach
Leave requests were approved for:
- Sheryl Fritz – Feb. 22 - March 1; March 22
- Becky Reed - March 19-22
Action Items
The school board conducted a second reading and review of the school policy concerning 4022: Non-Pubic Student Participation in Public School. The board then voted to adopt the policy.
The board voted to approve the authorization of publication of notice for a public hearing in anticipation of the district’s pursuit of an improvement project to the elementary and middle/high schools.
The board voted to approve Moake Park Group as the architect/design firm to continue working with the school corporation on the next facilities improvement project.
The board passed a motion to approve Tecton Construction Management as the management firm to continue working with the school corporation on the next facilities improvement project.
Approval was given to the Early Literacy Achievement Grant allocations as presented.
The board approved the outstanding checks as presented, with the middle/high school checks being reviewed to ensure individuals had been notified. The checks were approved to return to their fund of origin, after notification is made.
Approval was given for the West Central High School Course Description Guide and New Changes to the Course Description Guide as presented.
A resolution was approved authorizing the pursuit of an HEA1003 waiver so that the district may engage professional and classified staff in professional development during the 2024-25 school year.
The board voted to approve the WC middle school volleyball Sunday participation for students on Feb. 4 and 11, as presented.
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Principal Reports
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared that January was “quite the month.” Weather challenges proved the flexibility of staff and families. E Learning went well for the first time this year. Participation was good and absences were just a bit higher than a normal day.
The Readable English program is off to a great start. Their coaches have been back twice after the initial training. Carlson was pleased with the beginning implementation.
Ready Math came for the early release training. Staff have been engaged in digging through mid-year data to identify needs and drive the instruction. Math data is now complete. Currently, there are 44.4 percent of students on grade level and 56.1 percent are on track to meet their growth target for the year.
Middle/high school principal Angie Radtke noted that the month of January began with the welcoming of students back from Christmas break and the beginning of a new semester.
On Jan. 8, the school hosted an FAFSA Completion Night. Seniors and families were encouraged to attend for free expert help in understanding college funding options. INvestEd was there to answer questions and to help avoid common errors that may cause delays in the process.
On Jan. 25, 115 West Central HS students attended the Incentive Program field trip to Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl in Lafayette. The program was designed to encourage high academic achievement and positive behavior. A great time was had by all.
On Jan. 26, the MS and HS students attended a dodgeball tournament sponsored by FCCLA. Radtke reported a “couple of awesome students” took it upon themselves to collect money so that the whole school could attend. The members of the winning team each received a bagful of goodies and bragging rights.
The varsity wrestling team competed at the Twin Lakes Sectional Jan. 27. Nathan Peter, Hayden Fritz, Drake Fritz and Zach Gilger each finished on top of the podium. Cameron Nuest, Israel Williams and Jacob Pilarski finished in second and Brandon Davis finished in fourth place. The team wrestled well enough to secure a second place finish out of nine schools competing. The eight advancing wrestlers will travel to the Logansport Regional Feb. 3.
Tia Peter was named WKVI Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 22.
West Central freshman (and “resident celebrity”) Mackenzie Luepnitz spent Jan. 9 photographing at the Indiana Statehouse as a special guest of Gov. Eric Holcomb. She then got to sit in session and photograph the governor during his State of the State address. “She has represented West Central well.”
