EPCS begins bid process on renovation project

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Published: Friday, 20 February 2015 17:36

Commencement exercises to remain on Friday

WINAMAC - The Eastern Pulaski Community School Board approved five resolutions at its February meeting to advance the $14 million renovations project for the EPCS campus.

The resolutions included the process for awarding construction bids which are expected to be submitted as early as March. The resolutions also covered the execution of the lease, additional appropriations and financial tracking.

In other business, Superintendent Dan Foster thanked State Superintendent Glenda Ritz for visiting EPC Schools. He added there are many education bills being introduced during this long legislative session, including a Deregulation Bill and a Testing Innovation Bill.

Foster reported that the lighting system in the socialtorium is very old and some of the equipment cannot be replaced because of its age. After discussion, the board voted to replace the system with some of the General Obligation Bond Funds and to accept a quote from Circle City Audio. 

The doors at Entrance 6 at the elementary school and leading to the weight room at the elementary school, and the south high school gym doors are in need of replacement. Also. an intercom needs to be added at the art room doors. After discussion, the board approved a motion to use Capital Projects funds to do the work and to accept a quote from Koehlinger Security Technology, Inc. 

The pros and cons of moving commencement exercises from Friday night to Sunday afternoon were discussed.  Foster said he had been approached by the senior class sponsors about the possibility. After discussion, the board voted to leave graduation on Friday night as in the past. Board member Joe Cunningham voted in opposition. 

After discussion, the board voted to terminate the employment of elementary school guidance counselor Kathy Watson. 

Elementary school teacher Emily Woodward submitted a request for a maternity leave to begin on approximately March 5.  Kelly Cunningham was recommended to fill the maternity leave.  The board voted to approve the leave and recommendation, as presented, with Joe  Cunningham abstaining. 

A job description update for the business manager was discussed.  After discussion, the board voted to accept the option 1 recommendation. Board member Terri Johnston voted in opposition. 

Bus driver Vicki Pugh submitted a special leave request for Feb. 23-27, which was approved by the board.

The board was told that School Board Policy Section 102 – Organization and Pay, is in need of updating and modification. Possible approval will take place at the next school board meeting. 

The agreement with the Logansport Area Joint Special Services Cooperative (LAJSSC) is being reviewed.  In January Carroll, Delphi, and Lewis Cass announced their intent to leave the cooperative June 30, 2016.     

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Jan. 31.  All funds had positive balances. Foster answered questions about claims.

Wrestling coach Josh Burgess submitted an overnight field trip request to take three wrestlers to semi-state competition in Merrillville and state competition (if they advance) in Indianapolis.  AP biology teacher Barb Behnke  submitted an overnight field trip request to take 12 students to the Indiana Junior Science and Humanities Symposium from March 5-7, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.  The students will have the opportunity to present their research.  All of these trips have been taken in the past.  After discussion, the board voted to approve all the trips as presented.

Principal reports:

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported high school guidance counselor Kate Daily held freshman orientation on Jan. 22.  Middle school counselor John King will now meet with every eighth-grade student to help prepare them for their freshman year. ISTEP testing will start soon – the test will have many changes. 

Elementary school counselor Jill Collins reported that the elementary is beginning its annual Pennies for Patients event. If they reach their $1,000 goal, Cooper Fulmer will get to paint Mrs. Collins’ hair orange. The Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Community Read-in is scheduled for Feb. 18.  The Road Warriors Running Club will be starting soon. They are training for a 5K in May.

High school principal Rick DeFries commended State Superintendent Glenda Ritz for visiting and recognizing EPC Schools. The first WCHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction was well received – 10 players and coaches were recognized. The boys’ basketball team is 12-3, with seven games left. The girls’ basketball team will begin sectional play Feb. 13. One wrestler is advancing to semi-state competition, and two are going as alternates.  

Board Comment:  Mrs. Collins was commended for having Pennies for Patients.  Mike McClure and Dave DeLorenzo were commended for their help with the Wage Hearing.  State Superintendent Glenda Ritz was thanked for coming to the school.  Mrs. Johnston was asked, and agreed, to be the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) One Voice spokesperson. 

During Public Comment: Mary Fisher voiced concern of the ruling to terminate Kathy Watson.  John Watson voiced concern of the ruling to terminate Kathy Watson.  Kathy Watson thanked Foster and Cunningham for meeting with her last week. She read a letter of support.