Valley Board Hears Report On Akron School Progress
August 9, 2016 at 5:01 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
Jim Mitterling, who is overseeing the building project at Akron Elementary, briefed the board on the progress to date. The construction part of the project started May 25. The anticipated completion is December 2017, and includes a new gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen along with several new classrooms and courtyards.
Mitterling presented pictures of parts of the gymnasium that has been poured. He said they also finished roughing electrical and plumbing lines and completed water line tie-ins.
Akron Elementary Principal Chrissy Mills said temporary fencing was installed as a safety precaution. She said project manager Brandon Wolf gave a presentation to all of the Akron students concerning safety at all the buildings as the project continues throughout the school year.
The Tippecanoe Valley 2016 Distinguished Alumni and Legacy Award honorees have been named. The class of 2016 includes: Greg Gibble, Class of ’78; Scott Bibler, ’82; Mindy Creighton Truex, ’83; Tim Dowd, ’88; and Lisa Harger Fear, ’96.
Additionally, the recipients named to receive Legacy Awards include: Ann Kindig Allen, Akron High School, ’52; Tim Harmon, Mentone High School, ’72; Lee Norris, Beaver Dam High School, ’47; and Norman Wagoner, Talma High School, ’55.
A formal dinner to honor those chosen will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. The public is invited.
Blaine Conley, assistant superintendent, presented an update on the construction of a press box at the high school and middle school. He said the first meeting on the project was in December and they anticipate completion within two weeks. The newly built press box will feature two coach’s rooms, five illumination lights, speakers, an electrical storage closet and storage areas. Conley said there are 15 steps, a landing, and an additional 15 steps to reach the press area. Although it is not totally handicapped accessible now, the committee that has worked on the project indicated that some type of lift chair could be installed as the need arises.
The board approved a Tech Point Grant for a Vex Robotic Kit.
The Vex Robotic Kit, valued at $500, will be used with fifth-graders at both Akron and Mentone Elementary Schools as a part of Project Lead the Way classes. Instructor Miranda Figert told the board that PLTW uses math, language arts and computer science as students use the building equipment.
Figert said, “They are going to become critical thinkers and engineers.”
She indicated that they hope to form a competitive robotics team.
Fidget will alternate every nine weeks between Akron and Mentone.
Superintendent Brett Boggs asked the board to approve a health insurance benefit for all full-time regular bus route drivers. Boggs said they had changed the benefit offerings in January 2013 that included extra pay. Boggs said TVSC is not the only school corporation that is seeking bus drivers.
The benefit being considered would allow Class C drivers and any new drivers to obtain insurance coverage. The annual cost for family coverage would be $20,880 and single coverage, $8,352. The school corporation pays 75 percent of the premiums, according to Boggs.
Board member Bryan Murphy said, “I think it’s important to get good drivers. We put a lot of responsibility on bus drivers.”
Todd Hoffman, board member, suggested that the matter should be tabled until the next monthly meeting when all the members of the board were present. Stan Miller was absent from Monday’s meeting. The board concurred in a unanimous vote.
Jim Mitterling, who is overseeing the building project at Akron Elementary, briefed the board on the progress to date. The construction part of the project started May 25. The anticipated completion is December 2017, and includes a new gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen along with several new classrooms and courtyards.
Mitterling presented pictures of parts of the gymnasium that has been poured. He said they also finished roughing electrical and plumbing lines and completed water line tie-ins.
Akron Elementary Principal Chrissy Mills said temporary fencing was installed as a safety precaution. She said project manager Brandon Wolf gave a presentation to all of the Akron students concerning safety at all the buildings as the project continues throughout the school year.
The Tippecanoe Valley 2016 Distinguished Alumni and Legacy Award honorees have been named. The class of 2016 includes: Greg Gibble, Class of ’78; Scott Bibler, ’82; Mindy Creighton Truex, ’83; Tim Dowd, ’88; and Lisa Harger Fear, ’96.
Additionally, the recipients named to receive Legacy Awards include: Ann Kindig Allen, Akron High School, ’52; Tim Harmon, Mentone High School, ’72; Lee Norris, Beaver Dam High School, ’47; and Norman Wagoner, Talma High School, ’55.
A formal dinner to honor those chosen will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15. The public is invited.
Blaine Conley, assistant superintendent, presented an update on the construction of a press box at the high school and middle school. He said the first meeting on the project was in December and they anticipate completion within two weeks. The newly built press box will feature two coach’s rooms, five illumination lights, speakers, an electrical storage closet and storage areas. Conley said there are 15 steps, a landing, and an additional 15 steps to reach the press area. Although it is not totally handicapped accessible now, the committee that has worked on the project indicated that some type of lift chair could be installed as the need arises.
The board approved a Tech Point Grant for a Vex Robotic Kit.
The Vex Robotic Kit, valued at $500, will be used with fifth-graders at both Akron and Mentone Elementary Schools as a part of Project Lead the Way classes. Instructor Miranda Figert told the board that PLTW uses math, language arts and computer science as students use the building equipment.
Figert said, “They are going to become critical thinkers and engineers.”
She indicated that they hope to form a competitive robotics team.
Fidget will alternate every nine weeks between Akron and Mentone.
Superintendent Brett Boggs asked the board to approve a health insurance benefit for all full-time regular bus route drivers. Boggs said they had changed the benefit offerings in January 2013 that included extra pay. Boggs said TVSC is not the only school corporation that is seeking bus drivers.
The benefit being considered would allow Class C drivers and any new drivers to obtain insurance coverage. The annual cost for family coverage would be $20,880 and single coverage, $8,352. The school corporation pays 75 percent of the premiums, according to Boggs.
Board member Bryan Murphy said, “I think it’s important to get good drivers. We put a lot of responsibility on bus drivers.”
Todd Hoffman, board member, suggested that the matter should be tabled until the next monthly meeting when all the members of the board were present. Stan Miller was absent from Monday’s meeting. The board concurred in a unanimous vote.
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