Leman has also been selected as an Indiana Academic All -Star. He has chosen social studies teacher and coach Marc Hall as his most influential teacher, and they will both be honored at a banquet in Indianapolis in April.
In other business, Principal Angie Radtke shared with the board about ongoing efforts to extend college studies into the high school. She reported a team of administrators and teachers recently traveled to Plainfield to learn more about Early College Schools from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL). Created in 2001 at the University of Indianapolis CELL focuses on helping educators transform learning, teaching and leadership across all of Indiana’s K-12 schools and universities.
Radtke reported West Central has decided to partner with CELL in this endeavor so the school can offer the Indiana College Core (ICC) to its students. She explained administrators and teachers have been working hard meeting with “higher eds” to decide which options will best suit students’ needs and get teachers credentialed. In addition, the school has signed on with AP-TIP (Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program) which will also raise rigor, help students achieve the ICC, and set students on a successful path whether they decide to enroll, enlist or head straight to employment after graduation.
Superintendent Dr. Cathy Rowe reported on the following:
- Friday, March 15 will be an early release day
- Sunday, March 17 will be the Cabaret at 2 p.m.
- Spring Break is March 25-29
- Friday, April 12 will be a Senior Summit with North White seniors
- The school district is looking into bus route efficiencies for this fall.
The school board recognized Braya Kyburz as the middle/high school Student of the Month and Thiago Rodriguez as the elementary school Student of the Month.
Board member Mandy Sharpe presented Bertha Todd with a retirement clock for her many years of service to West Central Schools.
Personnel items
The school board approved the following resignations, as presented:
- Sheryl Fritz - Bus Driver and Instructional Assistant retirement
- Aliza Daniels - Custodian
- Johanna Sampson - CSS Psychologist Paraprofessional
Approval was given for the employment of the following, as presented:
- Tyler Napier - MS Track Head Coach
- Greg Buschman - Track Assistant, HS
- Hunter Schultz - Volunteer Assistant Boys Golf Coach
- Mandi Hettinger - JV Softball coach
- Corey Howat - Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach
- Eric Rodriguez - JV Baseball Coach
- Ralph Sharpe - Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach
- Tyson Mellon - 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
- McKenna Boerner - CSS part time Job Coach, Psychologist Paraprofessional
The board voted to approve the leave requests as follows.
- Brad Odom, March 21-22
- Marilyn Bernal, School Safety Advanced Training, April 1-2
- Devin Green, Indiana School Safety Advanced Training, April 1-2
- Jamie Fritz, Alliance Indiana Rural Water Conference - French Lick, March 12-14
- Kay Allen, March 22, afternoon
- Kyra McGraw, March 15, afternoon (Before SN spring break) - CSS
Action Items
The school board approved the 2025-26 calendar, as presented.
The board approved a motion to declare school corporation items as surplus, as presented.
The board approved the early release of students on Monday, April 8, due to the solar eclipse, as presented.
Approval was given to the internet agreement with Fast Lane Internet.
The board approved the Sunday afternoon performance of the Cabaret at 2 p.m., March 17.
Approval was given to the West Central band trip to King’s Island to Ohio on April 26-27.
The board voted to approve the West Central 2024 Senior Trip to Orlando, FL on April 30-May 4
The board approved the agreement with Grand Canyon University for West Central High School.
The board accepted the quote for a technology contract to replace network switches and access points, as presented.
Approval was given to the ENA services agreement, as presented.
The board voted to approve the AP-TIP agreement between the University of Notre Dame and West Central High Schoo,l as presented.
The board accepted the first reading of board policies presented.
Public comment was taken for the project hearing in pursuit of funding for building improvements and equipment.
The board approved the project resolution, as presented.
Approval was given to the reimbursement resolution, as presented.
The school board decided to table indefinitely a proposed resolution authorizing West Central to join other schools in litigation against social media companies.
Principal Reports
Middle/senior high school principal Angie Radtke shared that MORP 2024 took place Feb. 17 and was sponsored by the HS Student Council. The theme for this year was Hawaiian. Around 50-60 students attended.
FFA Week was Feb. 16-23. There were dress-up days and a daily raffle with prizes to those who participated. The highlight of the week, as always, was the petting zoo which was Feb. 16.
The HS wrestling team had six wrestlers qualify for semi-state this year - Zach Gilger, Hayden Fritz, Israel Williams, Cameron Nuest, Nathan Peter and Drake Fritz. Hayden was able to pick up a major decision over a Portage opponent to punch his ticket to his second straight state finals.
The girls basketball team had three players selected to the MWC All-Conference team this year - Annika Smith, Kailee Bishop, and Mara Sharpe.
Jacob Pilarski, Josiah Rodriguez, Hayden Fritz and Drake Fritz were selected First Team Academic All-State by the wrestling coaches association. Zach Gilger was selected Second Team, and Tia Peter was selected First Team Junior Academic All-State.
Elementary school principal Mike Carlson shared there has been plenty of activity at the elementary.
The school enjoyed being included in FFA Week and attending the Petting Zoo. “It’s always a great time and appreciated,” the principal said.
Mrs. Heims’ class visited Parkview Haven for some reading and dancing.
The professional development time was used for more on Science of Reading. The state released the approved reading curriculum. Samples are coming in to make a decision to meet the new requirements.
The middle of the month CoGAT testing was completed. It is used with the High Ability program.
The school is also almost finished with IREAD for third grade.
The Boys and Girls Club is off to a great start. Thirty kids are currently attending on varying days.
Family Literature Night has returned. Over 100 attendees had dinner, created a craft, and learned more about farming and agriculture. Special thanks are extended to the PTC for helping pull this together, and also to Stacy Walker from Indiana Farm Bureau Ag in the classroom, the Gutwein Agency for its donation and readers Darin Gudeman and Phil Huber.
