South Putnam goes ahead with technology improvements

During its regular monthly meeting held a week ago, the South Putnam School Board mainly considered initiatives with regard to technology.

Tammy Severe of Five-Star Technology Solutions proposed two actions. The first concerned updating access points. The second looked at eventually replacing students’ Chromebooks.

Severe stated that funding to cover new access points could come through the “e-rate” program from Universal Service Administration Corporation (USAC). She recommended that devices made by Aruba Access Points would be reliable and a “solid” product.

Severe also provided that current high school students need a “refresh” with their technology, and thus new tablets would need to be purchased soon.

However, there were questions from the board as to whether existing functional devices would be cycled.

In response to these concerns, Severe said the best working of the older tablets could be filtered down to the elementary schools. As such, the high school will receive new devices this year, with the middle school set to acquire new ones next year.

Funding wise, she added that the tablets would be based on a four-year loan and paid off through book rentals.

Ultimately, the board approved for the transition to move forward.

In other business, the board approved minor date changes in the elementary school handbook.

The body also approved a resolution establishing Assistant Principal Zach Love as a point of contact for military families in the corporation. Principal Levi Yowell said this was a step in being designated a Purple Star School, part of a new initiative by the Indiana Department of Education to recognize military service.

The board also highlighted South Putnam’s Students of the Month. Fourth-grader Tyler Frazier came from Central Elementary School; pre-kindergartener Hayden Dews was recognized at Fillmore Elementary School, seventh-grader Chloe Hauk was honored at South Putnam Middle School; and senior Levi Girton represented South Putnam High School.

Hauk and Girton were unable to attend the meeting.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations:

Classified: Gwendolyn Pittl - Fillmore Elementary head cook; and Kristie Bumgardner - Central Elementary instructional assistant (part time);

ECA: Andrea Minor - Central Elementary Drama Club (end of school year); Greg Dean - high school VBBB; and Mandy Wells - middle school play director (effective March 11);

• Retirement: Jim Samsel - maintenance director (effective June 30);

• Termination: Tim Parrish - MS/HS custodian;

• New hires:

Classified: Bobbi Siddons - Fillmore Elementary head cook; JoAnn Snapp - MS/HS food service; Pamalee Kendall - middle school instructional assistant; and Rainy Jordan - MS/HS custodian;

ECA: Jennifer Perrin - middle school play director (effective March 30).

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 in the South Putnam MS/HS Learning Center.