Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BURKET - The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Board of Trustees received information on the Indiana Teacher Appreciation Grant process during a board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley and Inga Omondi, TVSC director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, said the corporation was awarded $63,920.96. TAG was established by state legislature for stipends to go to teachers every year.
"What they've changed is we now have to recognize our top 20 percent of teachers," said Conley. "All of that money cannot be spread out to all the teachers. They have to apply for that grant and show evidence."
Omondi said the grant applications from TVSC teachers are still being evaluated.
"This year, the Indiana Department of Education granted us a sum of money ... there were three different tiers of money that we could have given out," said Omondi. "Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation chose to select the lowest tier so that we can award the most recipients."
Thirty teachers applied for the grant. In their application, each teacher had to share "how they have contributed to the positive culture at TVSC within their teaching role and share and reflect on student and academic data," according to Omondi.
Conley and Business Manager Eric Speicher noted the state didn't award TVSC enough money to give to 20 percent of the corporation's teachers.
"And that's every school corporation in the state," said Conley.
In other business, the board heard an update on TVSC's new administrative and daycare building. Conley said insulation and drywall are currently being installed, but that roof work is still weather permitting. He said work is on track with the initial construction schedule.
The board also approved donations from the following entities: Kosciusko & Whitley County United Way, $4,500, literacy enrichment at Tippecanoe Valley High School; Mill Creek Church of Rochester, $12,000, Boomerang Backpack Program; and St. Joseph Church of Rochester, $200, Boomerang Backpack Program.
The board's next regular meeting is at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School.
