Construction, conferences, technology GCSC concerns

Approvals for remodeling, restructuring and classroom technology practices were the highlights of the Greencastle School Board's monthly meeting on Monday night.

After a presentation from Schmidt Associates laying out estimated costs, timetables, designs and computer sketches of what the finished products will look like, the school board approved permission to put out bids for the construction of a new storage facility as well as an extension to the cafeteria at Greencastle High School, and a parking lot reconfiguration at Tzouanakis Intermediate School.

The GHS cafeteria addition will provide an additional 1,026 square feet of space and have a wall of windows that provides for lots of natural light.

The storage room facility at GHS will consist of altering the old boiler room into a simple storage facility, which will have durable and cost effective metal siding as well as a garage door that will make movement of material easier by allowing for motor vehicle entry.

The Tzouanakis pavement project involves a re-imagining of the current parking lot. New pavement will be poured for the creation of an oval shaped bus lot, while the remaining roads and parking lots will experience a change in how traffic flow moves through the lot.

The idea is that a lot of congestion can be alleviated by keeping bus and car traffic separate. There will also be two-way lanes and easy pick-up/drop-off points for parents that will not require new pavement to be poured.

An update to the current parking lot lighting system was also approved as part of the project, the new lights will use far less energy and provide a savings to the school over time.

Further discussion about iPad use in the classroom, as part of the one-to-one program, led to a change in technology policy to specify the difference between personal and school-based technology usage. With that, details were discussed about the school's ability to control what the iPads can be used for and what kind of access they have.

Assistant Superintendent Jeffery Hubble said that "Apple has done a really good job" ensuring that schools have maximum control over the devices and the network access.

Hubble outlined a four-tiered system of Internet access that can be granted and altered to each individual device based upon a student's age, needs, and progress with understanding Internet standards practices.

The board approved Greencastle High School to leave the West Central Conference and join the Western Indiana Conference. Principal Russ Hesler presented to the board about how the move would affect athletic competition, academic events, and the realignment of both the WCC and the WIC based on this change. Cascade High School has also approved to join the WIC with Cloverdale, South Putnam, and North Putnam possibly moving also to form a new, larger conference. (for more on this story see Conference Realignment 6A).

Several board members made sure to express not just how well Teacher Appreciation Week had gone but also how important it is.

"I was very impressed with Teacher Appreciation Week," board member Gary Haussin said. "I didn't realize the time that you all spend."

In other business:

- The board approved the retirement of Greencastle High School media specialist Cathy McCall, effective June 5.

- Doug Hudson is resigning as boys' junior varsity/varsity assistant basketball coach at GHS, effective at conclusion of the 2013-14 season.

- Several substitutes were approved for hire: Judy Siddens as substitute bus driver, Ashley Downing as substitute noon aide, Ivonne Martinez as substitute teacher, and Lindsay Wagner as substitute teacher.

- Several athletic hires were approved; Rebecca Greenlee as boys' track coach at Greencastle Middle School, Jennifer Wilson as boys' track coach at Greencastle Middle School, Thomas Lausee as volunteer assistant track coach at Greencastle Middle School, Jessie Bennett as volunteer assistant softball coach at Greencastle High School, and Jessica Casteel as assistant varsity cheer coach at Greencastle High School.

- The board approved acceptance of several grants and donations including $1,900 from Life Touch Pictures, $1,126 for math supplies to Ms. Hoesman's classroom from DonorsChoose.org, the Putnam County Community Foundation Grant has awarded $500 for Tzouanakis Intermediate playground upgrade as well as $500 for the Putnam County Band Festival.

The next Greencastle School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 21.