EPCS Board approves new extra-curricular pay schedule, vacation policy, personnel matters

Details

Published: Tuesday, 09 August 2016 21:17

WINAMAC - Personnel and back-to-school matters dominated the agenda of the Eastern Pulaski Community School Board at its August meeting Monday evening.

The board also approved the retirement request of an elementary school teacher who has taught second grade for 45 years.

Superintendent Dan Foster stated that last year some discussion took place with the Teachers’ Associations to update the extra-curricular schedule. Work has been completed to “clean up” the schedule due to many positions not being relevant, nor applicable to the current situation. Some positions were removed, some replaced, some adjusted, and some added, Foster explained. Athletic positions were changed/updated as well. There was discussion concerning the gap between upper and lower levels of the schedules. After discussion, the board voted to approve the extra-curricular pay schedule as submitted.

Foster stated that 12-month employees are strongly encouraged to utilize all vacation days provided by the corporation for the health and well-being of the employee; however, the corporation acknowledges there may be times that make it challenging for the employee to utilize these days.

Therefore, the school board approved a policy for the buy-back of vacation days for 12-month employees. Under the policy, vacation days issued July 2015 and for each contract thereafter, the employee will have until the following Aug, 15 to use those days. If by Aug. 16 all days have not been used, the school corporation will buy back a maximum of three days for employees having two weeks of vacation or a maximum of five days for employees having three weeks of vacation per diem at the employees June 30 rate. Any remaining balance of the prior year's vacation still remaining would be forfeited.

Personnel:

• Elementary school teacher Barbara Knarr submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mrs. Knarr taught 45 years at the elementary school, teaching all at the second grade level. She was wished well. Mrs. Knarr, who was present at the meeting, thanked the school board, administration, and fellow teachers for allowing her to do what she loves.
• Elementary school cook Penny DeLorenzo submitted her resignation after 20 years.
• Middle school paraprofessional Shannin Grandstaff submitted her resignation, after two years, to pursue other employment. Also, paraprofessional Abbey Hanson submitted her resignation to pursue other employment.
• High school English teacher Tina Stacy submitted her resignation to accept a similar position closer to her home.
• Amy Berkshire was recommended for high school English. Mrs. Berkshire is a Winamac graduate and most recently taught at Knox High School. Brandi Kappes was recommended for an elementary school teaching position. She is also a Winamac graduate and most recently taught at West Central for the past 11 years.
• Paraprofessionals recommended were: Tammy Brandt, elementary school, and Liz McClure returning to the middle school.
• The following food service positions were recommended: Lenora Hoover, Food Service Director at $16.26 per hour for 200 days; Bonnie Budd, high school cook; Jeanette Smith, elementary school cook; Amanda Moss, elementary school cook; and Melissa Taylor, elementary school cook.
• Jacqueline Podell was recommended for the open bus monitor position.
• The following extra-curricular positions were recommended: Marilyn Newman, Middle School Leadership Council; Meredith Allen, Assistant Soccer Coach; Melissa Newman and Renee Calabrese, Co-Cheerleader Sponsors.
• Toni Hansen was approved for a special leave last month and asked to extend the leave by one day.

After discussion, the board voted to approve all the resignations, employment recommendations, and leave as submitted.

In other business, Foster submitted the first reading on a Reasonable Suspicion School Board Policy. The policy would allow the administration to test a student if it is suspected the student may be under the influence of an illegal substance. The second reading and possible approval will be at the September meeting. There was discussion to have the Indiana School Boards Association review the proposed draft. Board consensus was to bring it back for a second reading.

The board voted to approve the Classified Staff Handbook and the Transportation Handbook as presented

Foster thanked the custodial staff and Mr. Green for their hard work this summer, while juggling the building project. He shared a thank you card from Colin McGee, the School Board Scholarship Winner. He also thanked Good Oil Company for supplying Subway sandwiches for the entire staff for the opening day.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending July 31. The Condition of Funds Statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. After discussion the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

During board comment Mrs. Knarr was thanked for her years of service, along with Mrs. DeLorenzo. The new staff was welcomed. The committee that worked on the extracurricular schedule was commended.