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Madison Elementary is aiming to become a state-certified STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Academy.
Principal Ben Barkey made the presentation in front of Warsaw Community Schools’ curriculum committee Thursday.
The committee approved allowing Barkey to begin the process of investigating making Madison a STEM school.
Barkey’s background in education is STEM. He was a STEM coach for WCS for several years.
Barkey said it could take three to seven years to get certified by the state, but he hopes to begin the application process by spring. He said there are still unanswered questions on how it work but added, “We’re not here to settle everything tonight.”
School Board President Heather Reichenbach said Madison was targeted because it was a perfect storm.
Madison has the facilties and Barkey was hired as the principal Madison at the right time, she said.
Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent, said every school in the district has a STEM lab.
He said the state-certification is a way to recognize schools for the great work the staff does.
“You will see a move from us to find out what equity we have in schools,” Hoffert said.
Hoffert pointed to the plan to dual immersion language classes at Leesburg ?Elementary as another way WCS is expanding opportunities for students.
The plan to make Madison a STEM school still must go before the school board.
WCS’s Washington STEM Academy is certified by the Indiana Department of ?Education.
STEM certified schools exemplify a highly non-traditional approach to education by employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms and out-of-school STEM activities, according to the Indiana Department of Education. STEM certified schools have been able to accomplish this feat while following educational policies set by the state.
Prior to the curriculum meeting, the school board held a public hearing to present its 2018 budget before the public. No member of the public attended. The school board will vote on its budget at its Oct. 23 meeting.
