EPCS board hires Kroft as girls basketball coach

Details

Published: Wednesday, 12 April 2017 00:46

WINAMAC - The Eastern Pulaski Community School board approved a list of projects and purchases for the school campus, and also hired a new girls basketball coach and middle school math teacher at its April meeting.

The board also heard a proposal to change the high school grading scale from as 12-point to a four-point system.

Projects/Purchases:

1. Middle School Gym Exterior Masonry Repairs – Larson Danielson was recommended for this project. After discussion, a motion was made to table this item to receive more quotes. The motion died for the lack of a second. After further discussion, the board voted to approve the quote from Larson Danielson as submittedm with board member Terri Johnston voting in opposition.

2. Middle School Gym Floor Refinishing – After discussion, the board voted to approve Creekview Wood Floors for this project, with Mrs. Johnston voting in opposition.

3. Middle School Gym Bleachers - End Caps, Hand Rails and Mid-Steps – After discussion, the board voted to approve BR Bleachers for this project.

4. Auditorium Curtains and Tracking Hardware Replacement/Repair – After discussion, the board voted to table this item to receive more information.

5. Middle School Office and High School Guidance Office Area LED Lighting – There was discussion and board consensus to get quotes on getting the rest of campus in LED lighting. The board voted to approve Fissel Electric for this project.

6. Middle School/High School Cafeteria Tables – Foster stated that this would complete this project. After discussion, the board voted to approve Lee Company for this project.

7. Wall and Floor Mats in Wrestling Room – After discussion, the board approved the purchase of mats as recommended.

8. Media Center Furniture – After discussion, the board approved Lee Company for this project.

Personnel:

Rachel Budd was recommended for Tim Roth’s middle school math teaching position. Mrs. Budd finished her license a couple of years ago and has been an instructional assistant at the middle school for the past three years.

Kole Kroft was recommended for the open varsity girls’ basketball coaching position. Kroft has been involved with the boys’ basketball program for the last four years. He is a Winamac Community High School graduate and lives in the community.

After discussion, the board approved all the personnel items as submitted.

Principals Ryan Dickinson, Rick DeFries and Jill Collins presented their proposed changes to the 2017-18 student handbooks for their buildings. Changes included dates and making clarifications as well as changing to Skyward and homework policies at the middle school. The high school proposed changing from a 12-point grading scale to a 4-point scale to match college grading scales. They also proposed adopting a weighted grading scale. The handbooks will be presented at the meeting in May for final approval.

Spotlight on WCMS – Science Olympiad: Middle school principal Ryan Dickinson introduced the Science Olympiad Team, along with sponsor, teacher Steve Slaven. The students shared their particular events, what they have to do for their event, the individuals they have met throughout their time in Science Olympiad, and the positive experiences meeting others and going different places. Mr. Slaven shared where they competed, their overall winnings for the year, and his appreciation for the program.

Other action items:

Foster shared information with the board about individual procurement cards. He explained the procurement cards are similar to credit cards, which the school already has, but with a rebate. To enter into the program, a school board resolution is needed. After discussion, Mr. the board voted to approve the resolution.

Foster reported the school lawyer reviewed and approved the proposed facility use agreement with Town of Winamac Board of Parks and Recreation. The school board voted to approve the facility use agreement with the Winamac Board of Parks and Recreation.

The board also approved School Board Policy Section 615 – Uniform Guidance, as presented. This is a requirement from the federal government dealing mostly with internal controls and grants. The policy was written by the Indiana School Boards’ Association attorneys.

Foster recommended offering the following summer school classes if there is sufficient student enrollment: High School Physical Education, High School Economics and Warrior Academy. After discussion, the board approved the summer school classes as recommended if there is sufficient enrollment.

The following donations were presented:

• A grant from PACE for $19,857 for the elementary school to replenish book boxes and professional development.
• A used Gator for Athletics from Mr. Paul Gilsinger, GreenMark Equipment. It would become the property of Eastern Pulaski Schools.
• A 1926 “Totem” and 1929 “Informer” from Natalie Ross.

After discussion, the board voted to accept the donations as presented.

The board declared as surplus items for proper disposal a John Deere 1050 with 3600 hours, which the school corporation is not using, and old middle school/high school cafeteria tables.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending March 31. All funds had positive balances. The usual financial statements were included. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as presented.

Superintendent's report:

Foster reported that the Indiana legislative session is nearing the end. He specifically highlighted the budget bill and the proposed amount the school will receive.

• The ISBA Spring Regional Meeting is May 17.
• There will be a meeting on Monday, April 17th to discuss asphalt and concrete bids as well as potential other items.
• Board member Deke DeMarco was thanked for the new board name plates.

During board comment the Science Olympiad team was commended as well as GreenMark and Natalie Ross for their donations. Mr. DeFries and the high school leadership team were thanked for their work on the weighted grading scale and moving to a 4.0 grading scale. Teacher Patrick Schuttrow and the drama students were commended for the spring musical. Mrs. Anspach was commended keeping the school’s financials in check.