NP board tackles school lunches, mulls body safety program

BAINBRIDGE -- As they welcomed Dr. Nicole Singer in her first board meeting as North Putnam’s new superintendent, school officials addressed various issues Thursday evening.

During an efficient meeting that lasted a little under 30 minutes, board members approved a lunch price increase throughout the corporation as the only action item on the agenda.

Except for breakfasts and reduced lunches, school meals will be increased by 10 cents, starting with the upcoming school year.

Dr. Singer provided that the increase is a measure aimed at alleviating an $11,000 deficit that the corporation is facing.

There is no definite timeline as to how long it would take to get back into the black, but board members were supportive of the measure.

The board also heard feedback about a proposed grant aimed at teaching students about body safety.

Beth Waterman, principal of Roachdale Elementary, informed the board about the Body Safety Plus Prevention Program through Susie’s Place, an advocacy center that educates about child abuse and neglect.

The program would reach out to students about recognizing warning signs of violence though interactions designed to engage them in a sensitive manner.

While no specific overall cost was provided by Waterman, she said that the grant would allow the programs to be offered at a cost of 75 cents per student.

The grant would be a three-year commitment that can be renewed.

Mrs. Waterman said that the timetable to submit the proposal was in short order, and encouraged the board to consider the costs and benefits.

In addition, the board also accepted the retirement, leave and hiring of the following personnel:

• Tony Gray, retiring as a media center instructional assistant for North Putnam High School, effective July 8;

• Rachael Leach, covering a leave of absence as a counselor at Bainbridge Elementary, effective from about Aug. 20 up to 12 weeks;

• Cheryl Crosby, teacher at Roachdale Elementary, taking a leave of absence for the 2018-19 school year;

• Christina Miller, hired as a sixth-grade math teacher at North Putnam Middle School, effective for the 2018-19 school year; and

• Paula O’Brien, hired as an instructional assistant for North Putnam Middle School, effective for the 2018-19 school year.

The school board will have its next regular meeting on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Office in Bainbridge.