Whitko Starts School Year
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Daniel [email protected]
Pierceton Elementary Principal Barb Ihnen gave updates of the first day of school as did South Whitley Elementary's George Roth.
Both Ihnen and Roth lauded the custodial staffs at their schools for their work to get the schools ready.[[In-content Ad]]Jerry Klausing, Whitko Middle School principal, and Parrish Kruger, Whitko High School principal, also gave reports to the board.
Klausing invited the board to a chili supper that will take place Aug. 26.
Kruger talked about freshman orientation and stated the theme for this year was "It counts." Kruger said that they were telling the freshman that everything in high school counts toward college applications.
Diane Williams, the literacy coach for South Whitley Elementary, gave a presentation on "Response To Intervention." The program is a way to develop ways for kids, of all ability levels, to improve on their reading skills.
Williams said that 72 percent of children in grades kindergarten through second grade last year were at or above their grade level in reading.
Children in grades three to five were at a 70 percent rate for hitting their growth level.
David Bennett gave a presentation to the board about high tech high schools.
Superintendent Steve Classon said the board is looking into possibly creating a high tech high school with other corporations in Whitley County, but the idea is only in the infant stages.
High tech high schools concentrate on certain areas of learning and are based on project-based learning.
The franchise fee for a high tech high school is $450,000, though a Lilly Endowment grant could offset the cost.
Mike Sands gave a report of the transportation department. Sands said all the buses passed inspection and that only one route, near Sidney, has been changed for this year.
"Everything went pretty smooth on the first day for the most part," said Sands.
Dirk Felger gave a maintenance department report, and along with all the principals at the schools, gave the custodial staffs credit for getting the school in excellent condition.
The board welcomed Dave Parker and Melissa Vissali to the corporation. Parker will be the new assistant principal at the high school, while Vissali will be a biology teacher at the high school.
The board accepted several resignations and terminations, including Randy Simpson being discontinued as the girls golf coach for the high school. Former head football coach Bryan Sprunger will take over the program.
In a special meeting before the regular meeting, the board heard from Tom McFarland, director of financial operations, about the 2010 budget.
"Total appropriations will be down this year," said McFarland. "That has to do with the cash balance carry over, less revenue. Hopefully, we'll get more revenue. Interest has been killing us lately."
McFarland said overall the budget is "in fairly good shape."
The board approved the advertisement of the 2010 budget.
The next school board meeting is Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. There will be an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The regular school board meeting will be the public hearing for the 2010 budget.
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Pierceton Elementary Principal Barb Ihnen gave updates of the first day of school as did South Whitley Elementary's George Roth.
Both Ihnen and Roth lauded the custodial staffs at their schools for their work to get the schools ready.[[In-content Ad]]Jerry Klausing, Whitko Middle School principal, and Parrish Kruger, Whitko High School principal, also gave reports to the board.
Klausing invited the board to a chili supper that will take place Aug. 26.
Kruger talked about freshman orientation and stated the theme for this year was "It counts." Kruger said that they were telling the freshman that everything in high school counts toward college applications.
Diane Williams, the literacy coach for South Whitley Elementary, gave a presentation on "Response To Intervention." The program is a way to develop ways for kids, of all ability levels, to improve on their reading skills.
Williams said that 72 percent of children in grades kindergarten through second grade last year were at or above their grade level in reading.
Children in grades three to five were at a 70 percent rate for hitting their growth level.
David Bennett gave a presentation to the board about high tech high schools.
Superintendent Steve Classon said the board is looking into possibly creating a high tech high school with other corporations in Whitley County, but the idea is only in the infant stages.
High tech high schools concentrate on certain areas of learning and are based on project-based learning.
The franchise fee for a high tech high school is $450,000, though a Lilly Endowment grant could offset the cost.
Mike Sands gave a report of the transportation department. Sands said all the buses passed inspection and that only one route, near Sidney, has been changed for this year.
"Everything went pretty smooth on the first day for the most part," said Sands.
Dirk Felger gave a maintenance department report, and along with all the principals at the schools, gave the custodial staffs credit for getting the school in excellent condition.
The board welcomed Dave Parker and Melissa Vissali to the corporation. Parker will be the new assistant principal at the high school, while Vissali will be a biology teacher at the high school.
The board accepted several resignations and terminations, including Randy Simpson being discontinued as the girls golf coach for the high school. Former head football coach Bryan Sprunger will take over the program.
In a special meeting before the regular meeting, the board heard from Tom McFarland, director of financial operations, about the 2010 budget.
"Total appropriations will be down this year," said McFarland. "That has to do with the cash balance carry over, less revenue. Hopefully, we'll get more revenue. Interest has been killing us lately."
McFarland said overall the budget is "in fairly good shape."
The board approved the advertisement of the 2010 budget.
The next school board meeting is Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. There will be an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The regular school board meeting will be the public hearing for the 2010 budget.
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