MENTONE – Two new school board policies were presented to and approved by the Tippecanoe Valley School Board Monday night. During recent contract negotiations with the Tippecanoe Valley Classroom Teachers Association, according to Superintendent Brett Boggs, the administration agreed to add two statements to existing school board policy. The first, regarding substitute teachers, states, “If a retired individual is hired as a long-term substitute (more than 15 consecutive days in the same position) and is appropriately licensed, that individual will receive a daily salary based upon a $40,000 annual salary after the 15th day. No benefits will be provided. “If a retired individual is hired on a temporary contract, the salary shall not exceed $40,000 annually and that individual shall not be granted benefits beyond what is stipulated by law.” The second statement, regarding professional leave requests, states, “If a professional leave request is denied by the building principal, professional days may be granted by the superintendent to a requesting teacher with the teacher assuming all associated expenses (except the cost of a substitute teacher). Such days will be applied against the teacher’s current year’s nine sick days.” Boggs also provided information to the board regarding Bowen Center’s Summer Skill Building Program. The program is from June 13 to Aug. 12 for qualifying Valley students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade. The eight-week program meets at Akron Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Bowen Center provides transportation, and participants will be served lunch through the school’s Summer Food Service Program. The program is based on the “Six Pillars of Character” and provides a link to social skills training that helps students transition into the new school year, Boggs said. The Bowen Center provides all staffing for the program, with the school corporation providing the facility for the program. “It’s a nice opportunity for them, for those willing to participate,” Boggs said. In other business, the school board: n Announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the wind power project will be May 31 at 1:30 p.m. at the bus garage. The public is invited. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors. n Heard a report from Scott Smith regarding the senior trip to Washington, D.C., April 19-24. Smith is the faculty sponsor for the annual trip. Overall, the 32 seniors who went on the trip enjoyed it. n Approved an overnight trip for the high school football team to travel to Taylor University in Upland for the 2011 Indiana Wing-T Football Camp, June 29, 30 and July 1. n Heard Mentone Elementary Principal Angie Miller recognize the Mentone student council, Spell Bowl team, math team, office helpers and spelling bee winner Kaeden Underwood and runner-up Olivia Trippiedi. She also recognized fifth-grader Madison O’Connell for her positive poster project, with the Parent Support Group providing a $400 grant for the positive posters to be hung around the school. Fourth-graders who participated in the KEYS grant Educating Philanthropy In the Community project also were recognized. The students were able to take $200 given to them, sell glow sticks and profit more than $300. The profit was then given back to the school library for books. n Approved changes to the student/athletic/staff handbooks as presented at the April school board meeting. n Announced upcoming board meetings will be Monday, special meeting, administration office, 7:30 p.m.; June 13, regular meeting, administration office, 7:30 p.m. The Building Trades open house will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., and Burket graduation will be May 26 at 1 p.m.
