West Central Board continues work on safe school entrance projects

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School Board advanced plans for its "school entrance security" projects, heard praise for the high school's dual credit program, and accepted bids for two new school buses at its December meeting.

Also, Superintendent Don Street reported that the Indiana Department of Education has notified school districts that the tuition support monthly payments will be decreased because the Indiana State Budget for education is less than the total tuition support payments.

The board held a hearing on its proposed lease agreement. Attorney Bonnie Coleman explained the purpose of the hearing for the secure entrance and utilization of space project. Board president Jeff Lowry asked for questions or comments on whether the lease rental contained in the lease agreement is fair and reasonable for the construction or improvements being made. Hearing none, the hearing on the lease was closed.

The school board held a second hearing to consider additional appropriation. Coleman explained the purpose of the additional appropriation for the bond. Lowry asked for questions or comments. Hearing none, the hearing to consider additional appropriation was closed.

The school board then approved the resolution authorizing execution of the lease and sale of real estate; and also approved the resolution authorizing additional appropriations.

The board voted to approve the resolution approving continuing disclosure undertaking.

The board approved the resolution approving post-issuance compliance procedures.

The board voted to approve the resolution assigning construction bids.

Approval was given to the resolution approving issuance of bond anticipation notes and multiple series of AD Valorem property tax first mortgage bonds.

Adam Weesner from Barton-Coe –Vilamaa reviewed the plans for the "secure entrance and utilization of space" project. The project consists of reconfiguring the building office areas for the purpose of making the entrances more secure. Other areas of the buildings will be renovated to utilize the existing space for current purposes.

Weesner also reviewed the plans for the middle school and auxiliary gym roof project. The board voted to advertise for bids on the proposed roof project.

 

Other Action/Report Items:

The board passed a resolution to approve of the necessary fund transfers so that all accounts have a zero or positive balance for the year of 2017. It was further resolved that funds are hereby encumbered from the 2017 accounts for use in 2018.

The board voted to accept the bid from MidWest Transit Equipment for two new IC/Collins 78-passenger school buses for $85,525 each. MidWest will allow $6,400 for a trade in allowance for Bus 2 and $6,700 for Bus 7.

Approval was given for the teacher appreciation grant distribution.

The first reading of a policy manual revision was held regarding employee use of social media, electronic monitoring, notice of procurement of professional services, and reporting of arrests by employees. There will be a second reading at the next school board meeting in January.

At the opening of the school board meeting, an election for a temporary secretary for the school board was held. Mandy Sharpe was nominated and elected for the position.

Street reported the certified staff will be participating in a poverty simulation program on Jan. 3 during the professional development day.

The superintendent also reported the general fund balance for November was good. The wind turbine production was positive for November.

 

Personnel Items:

The board approved the retirement of custodian Susan Wall.

The board approved the resignations of instructional assistant Peyton Myers, and high school cross country coach Rebekah Erb.

Approval was given to the employment of the following:

  • Harold Rogers – Custodian
  • Kendra Miller – Instructional Assistant
  • Mike Harter – Driver Education
  • Mandy Bishop – 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
  • Alison Carnahan – 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach

Leave request was approved for the following, as presented:

  • Brittany Mendiola – Personal Leave
  • Laura Stout – Personal Leave
  • Arlene Metzger – Personal Leave

 

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrainformed the board that West Central Elementary hosted Donuts with Dad Dec. 1. With a lumberjack theme, a good time was had by all. The day also included a trip to the Math Masters Prize room and a preview of the PTC’s Holiday Shop, which will run the week of Dec. 4-8. The K-3 and Elementary Chorus Christmas Program will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12. For professional development, a trainer from Curriculum Associates worked with staff on math program implementation. Staff also collaborated regarding the online science textbook.

Middle/high school principal Patrick Culp reported that West Central High School continues to be recognized for the efforts to expand dual college credits. Recently, West Central was honored by Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ivy Tech Community College, and Vincennes University during the 2017 Indiana Dual Credit Recognition Ceremony. This inaugural celebration is in recognition of West Central Senior High School’s efforts to provide Indiana students with access to and success in Dual Credit courses. The Fine Arts program is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Awards for art will be presented. Artwork from high school students will be displayed in the cafeteria. At 6:30 p.m., a concert by the band and choir will begin in the high school gym.