South Putnam board reviews ISTEP results

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

South Putnam High School Principal Kieth Puckett shared improved ISTEP scores with school board members Monday night.

Despite the disappointing 2008 ISTEP results statewide, South Putnam students increased their scores 2.5 percent from last year. More than half -- 76.5 percent to be exact -- of all students tested passed the exam. South Putnam also showed better passing percentages than other county schools.

"I am really proud of our kids," said Puckett following the ISTEP presentation.

South Putnam has also increased its student attendance record. Puckett predicts its graduation rate to be similar to last year, which was best in the county for the second year.

In other business:

* Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt reported concern about school funding for the 2009-2010 school year. Indiana schools are looking at being flat lined in their budgets, which means the same amount of money will be received as the previous year. The problem is costs increase from year to year. Bernhardt says everything will be on the table when it comes to cutting costs.

* School board members gave the go-ahead on a soft drink contract to help raise funds for incentive programs. The seven-year contract will be within wellness guidelines set in place by Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004.

* South Putnam school district serves 800-900 children for lunch and 160 children for breakfast. The school received more than $17,000 in September from free and reduced lunches, said Annabeth Smith, food service director.

* Nicole Hacker went before the board seeking to start a PTO organization at South Putnam. While board approval is not required to start a PTO, they agreed it was a good idea. Hacker says PTOs are a great way of raising money and it allows parents to be involved.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: