Burkett Problems Still Unresolved
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
AKRON - Climate audits released at Monday's Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting show that most people are pleased with the corporation's schools, but problems that surfaced at Burket School last year apparently are far from resolved.
The report shows the school is divided into two camps; those who have been at the school for an extended period and those who are relatively new to the building.
Dissension between principal Karen Shelley and some teachers prompted the central administration to bring in mediators during the summer. According to the report, the long-term teachers at Burket are still highly critical of just about everything Shelley does. They were contradicted by newer staff members, who commented that the teachers should quit complaining and be more flexible.
Reviewers felt that Shelley's style of communication and interaction with staff members may require changes. She was advised to adopt a warmer, less judgmental attitude; but it was stated that there is high probability some staff members will remain unhappy despite any changes she makes.
Concerns at Mentone School centered on the facility, a problem that will be remedied with the upcoming building project. Lack of space and air conditioning were the major problems citied at Akron Elementary. Some classes are serving 30 to 32 students.
Poor communication and lack of support from central administration were listed as a probable cause of discipline and safety problems at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. Parents and staff who were interviewed said students who are dealt with by TVMS administration continue to cause problems because they know they won't be expelled.
Jon Parker, former Mentone principal, gave a favorable report on the Alternative Education Program at the high school. Students who are having difficulty mastering standard fare may take a class called Step I. This class centers on skills needed after high school such as writing checks and resumes, doing tax returns, research skills, conflict resolution and working with family budgets.
In other business, the board:
• Awarded bids for three 1997 international bus chassis to Wiers International Trucks at $30,979.39 each and three bus bodies to Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing at $16,788 each, less a total trade-in allowance of $6,100. The board also approved an additional $76 per bus for internal P.A. systems.
• Approved additional appropriations of $613,831 for the Mentone building project and $141,862 for a bus maintenance garage.
• Appointed Ed LaMar to serve a fourth term on the Bell Memorial Library Board. The four year term will be effective until Dec. 31, 2000.
• Announced grants received by Akron School from Kosciusko Endowment Youth Service (KEYS) of $1,500 for Project Child and $300 for a second-grade Rain Forest Project.
The next regular board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. [[In-content Ad]]
AKRON - Climate audits released at Monday's Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting show that most people are pleased with the corporation's schools, but problems that surfaced at Burket School last year apparently are far from resolved.
The report shows the school is divided into two camps; those who have been at the school for an extended period and those who are relatively new to the building.
Dissension between principal Karen Shelley and some teachers prompted the central administration to bring in mediators during the summer. According to the report, the long-term teachers at Burket are still highly critical of just about everything Shelley does. They were contradicted by newer staff members, who commented that the teachers should quit complaining and be more flexible.
Reviewers felt that Shelley's style of communication and interaction with staff members may require changes. She was advised to adopt a warmer, less judgmental attitude; but it was stated that there is high probability some staff members will remain unhappy despite any changes she makes.
Concerns at Mentone School centered on the facility, a problem that will be remedied with the upcoming building project. Lack of space and air conditioning were the major problems citied at Akron Elementary. Some classes are serving 30 to 32 students.
Poor communication and lack of support from central administration were listed as a probable cause of discipline and safety problems at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School. Parents and staff who were interviewed said students who are dealt with by TVMS administration continue to cause problems because they know they won't be expelled.
Jon Parker, former Mentone principal, gave a favorable report on the Alternative Education Program at the high school. Students who are having difficulty mastering standard fare may take a class called Step I. This class centers on skills needed after high school such as writing checks and resumes, doing tax returns, research skills, conflict resolution and working with family budgets.
In other business, the board:
• Awarded bids for three 1997 international bus chassis to Wiers International Trucks at $30,979.39 each and three bus bodies to Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing at $16,788 each, less a total trade-in allowance of $6,100. The board also approved an additional $76 per bus for internal P.A. systems.
• Approved additional appropriations of $613,831 for the Mentone building project and $141,862 for a bus maintenance garage.
• Appointed Ed LaMar to serve a fourth term on the Bell Memorial Library Board. The four year term will be effective until Dec. 31, 2000.
• Announced grants received by Akron School from Kosciusko Endowment Youth Service (KEYS) of $1,500 for Project Child and $300 for a second-grade Rain Forest Project.
The next regular board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. [[In-content Ad]]