EPCS Board approves projector, bus purchases

Details

Published: Thursday, 16 February 2017 00:00

WINAMAC - The Eastern Pulaski Community School Board approved purchases for classroom projectors and two school buses, plus a bus lift at its February meeting.

Superintendent Dan Foster presented a request to purchase 68 additional classroom projectors. These will replace failing projectors. The expected life span of the projectors was discussed by the board.

Foster also presented a request to purchase two 78-passenger International/Collins school buses totaling $164,098, including trade-ins and to also purchase a bus with lift for $59,745. Funds have been set aside for these purchases. Seatbelts were also discussed.

After discussion, the board voted to approve all purchases as presented.

In other business, Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Jan. 31.  All funds had positive balances. After discussion, the board approved all claims, as presented. He also presented the appropriation and allotment transfers to close the calendar year 2017 Budget. The board voted to approve the transfers as presented.

Spotlight on WCHS – Student Council: High school principal Rick DeFries introduced studnet council sponsors Ms. Butler and Mrs. Allen. Henry Antrim, Emma Eldridge, and Elise Price explained their roles in the student council. They lead the high school with their leadership, enthusiasm, and motivation. They also highlighted the activities they sponsor throughout the year including blood drives and homecoming.

Personnel:

• Middle school teacher and head football coach Tim Roth submitted his resignation for the purpose of retirement at the end of this school year. Roth is in his 40th year of teaching and his 36th year as head football coach. He was wished well and commended for his service.
• Head varsity girls basketball coach Jeff Wegner submitted his resignation. Wagner has been coaching for many years with seven as head varsity girls coach.
• High school teacher John Williams submitted his resignation for retirement after 20 years.
• Bus driver Ron Vititoe was terminated.
• Connie Ingram was recommended for a bus driving position.
• Marcus Kay was recommended for an assistant football coaching position.
• Phillip Budd was recommended for a volunteer track coaching position.  
• The board voted to accept the retirements, resignation, termination and employment recommendations, as submitted. 

 
Reports:

Foster reported on the following:

• Renovation Update: Dr. Gib Crimmins, Administrator Assistance, offered the financial recap. The overall project went well.  Final numbers are still coming in, but it looks like approximately $1.6 million will be left for future projects. Dr. Crimmins suggested to begin looking at proposed projects now.
• Legislative Update: Many bills are being watched including HB1009 – School Financial Management, which eliminates the General Fund and creates an Education Fund. Other bills being watched are the Small Schools Grant, the Calendar Bill and the Consolidation Bill.  
• Upcoming ISBA Workshops: Legislative Day is Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Collective Bargaining Seminar is Feb. 24 and the Spring Board Academy is March 10.

High school principal Rick DeFries reported on senior athletes signing letters of intent – Claire Collins, Gabby Behny, Camryn Kopka, Michael Beckner, Gavin Breyfogle, and Bill Williamson. The annual canine search went well. Student lockers, restrooms, and the parking lot were all searched. Friday, Feb. 24 is senior night for basketball and little cheer night. Saturday is the annual Sweetheart Dance. Boys’ basketball sectional will be Feb. 28 to March 4. WCHS hosted the girls’ basketball regional ths past weekend. Athletic director Bill Ball was commended for coordinating the event. Jake Armstrong was commended for advancing to the State Wrestling Meet in Indianapolis Feb. 18-19.

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson reported on freshman orientation held Jan. 24.  Hich school guidance counselor Mrs. Daily and middle school guidance counselor Mr. King coordinated the event.  Mr. King is now meeting with all eighth-graders and their parents to prepare for high school. Data Dive Days have been held for English/Language Arts and for Math.  Students recently had a convocation called "Breaking the Grey Anti-bullying."

Elementary school principal Jill Collins reported on the "Pennies for Patients: drive; they collected over $2,100. This Friday will be a pajama event to put “cancer to rest.” Elementary School cheer night is this Friday, Feb. 17. The elementary is preparing for the upcoming ISTEP assessment. There are several events scheduled to prepare for it. The PTA is doing a “drive in” movie night in the near future. The Run Club starts March 6 and the Science Fair is March 9.

Board Comment: Jeff Wagner and Tim Roth were thanked for their years of service. The Student Council students were thanked for their report. Board member Beth Ruff thanked the school corporation for the opportunity to attend the school board orientation meeting. Law enforcement was thanked for conducting the recent canine search. The Bus Purchase Committee was thanked.

Public Comment: Kyle Burgess questioned how involved the school board is on hiring and/or firing individuals.