SYRACUSE - The Wawasee Community School Corporation conducted their February board meeting a week later than usual due to weather.
It was reported by Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington that last month's Derk and Kay Kuhn Fundraiser held at the high school raised almost $6,000.
Also included in Edington's opening remarks was mention of Brittney Robbinson, WHS swim team member, who finished third and fifth in state competition races last Saturday; and dental checks were held for Milford School third fourth, and fith graders. This is a pilot program that brings dentists who volunteer their services into the school. For some students, Edington said that because of the economy this might be the only time they would see a dentist this year.
Milford School fifth grade teachers Christie Holst and Cheryl VanLaeken presented the board with the Northwest Education Association's data use program. This program seeks to identify strengths and weaknesses in math and language skills.
Students' individual progress is scored and working with his or her teacher, goals are set for areas of improvement. Parents are informed of their child's progress and meetings are scheduled as needed.
Holst also presented a comprehensive chart, detailing student's progress that she has been preparing for some time.
The board conducted a second reading of a policy update regarding sex offenders on school property. A final reading will be conducted next meeting.
The board granted approval to set a 1028 Hearing regarding the proposed renovation project for WHS.
Specifically, this deals with roof work, ventilators, and some structural work. Cost for the projects will be well over $1,000,000, and through the stimulus program, $2-10,000,000 is being made available for such work. More information regarding the exact hearing date will be made available March 9.
In other budgetary matters, the board approved the superintendent's 2010 expenditure goals.
There are increasing operations costs, coupled with decreasing revenue. this will obviously mean that a budget reduction will eventually be necessary, with a possible $1,000,000 cut.
Edington said that he plans to discuss specific items with each teacher and other staff members throughout the corporation.
Eventually, a community meeting will be announced to discuss details.
As part of this process, Edington asked for, and was granted, approval to seek the services of a consulting firm to help evaluate the entire corporation school system.
"It may be that by spending a little money, we can save money," Edington said. More information will be presented next month.
In personnel matters, the board approved the following individuals for employment with Wawasee: Regina Friedrich as a temporary special ed paraprofessional at WHS; Linda Lehman as a highly qualified special education paraprofessional at Syracuse elementary School; Linda Mast has been hired as a highly qualified primetime paraprofessional at North Webster Elementary School; Krista Stouder has been hired as a highly qualified special education paraprofessional at Syracuse Elementary; and Debbie Baum has been hired as the adult GED teacher for the spring semester at WHS. Classes run from Feb. 16 through May 18.
In other business:
- Approval was granted for the FFA Soils Judging Team to travel to Oklahoma in May.
- Grades 3 through 8 will take ISTEP testing the first week of March.
- The Indiana School board Association meeting is scheduled for March 23, in Plymouth.
