Long-range planning in wings for North Putnam

ROACHDALE — After learning more about how North Putnam Schools stacks up with other area school corporations, school leaders are considering longer-term plans.

The North Putnam School Board briefly touched on conducting such planning as well as a demographic study during its regular meeting Thursday evening.

Taking topics discussed a week ago in a work session into account, Superintendent Nicole Singer offered options in terms of a feasibility study of the school corporation’s facilities. An architect firm would be brought in to complete the study.

Singer also provided that Chad Blacklock of Stifel Financial Corp., who has highlighted North Putnam’s declining enrollment, could assist with drawing up 1-3-year goals for growth for the school corporation. This could be done with the board in a retreat setting.

Independent consultant Susan Brudvig was nominated to carry out the demographic study, and the board approved as such. However, board members Joanie Knapp, Eric Oliver and Ron Spencer did not agree. Knapp stated that she felt like she was not ready to choose a consultant.

Singer stipulated to the Banner Graphic Monday afternoon that no definite decisions on these studies would be made at least until the board convenes next month.

In other business:

• The board passed a resolution to pay maintenance staff for time worked during North Putnam’s recent closure due to a natural gas shortage. The resolution also stipulates that vacation or personal days were to be credited back to them.

• The board approved to move forward with summer programs at North Putnam Middle School, Bainbridge Elementary and Fillmore Elementary.

• The board approved new board policy language related to criminal gangs and activity.

• The board approved renewing the school corporation’s food service contract with Chartwells. On his recommendation, Director of Operations Terry Tippin stated the school corporation was staying in the black ahead of billing.

• The board approved to dispose of old instruments at North Putnam High School. Principal Jason Chew said they would go to Paige’s Music in Indianapolis either to be fixed for resale or destroyed.

• The board approved a declaration of intent to reimburse for facility maintenance not exceeding $1 million. Singer explained that when unforeseen repairs are made, the corporation can be repaid the cost of maintenance to that point.

The board also recognized Bainbridge Elementary second-grade teacher Jessica Tarr as North Putnam’s Teacher of the Month.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• New hires: Carrie Bolen - NPMS instructional assistant; Lukas Haworth - NPHS head girls’ basketball coach; Curtis Lawrence - NPHS assistant girls’ basketball coach; Kelly Windmiller - NPHS assistant girls’ assistant basketball coach; Julie Ann Elmore - NPHS head boys’ and girls’ swimming coach; Ryan Burress - NPHS assistant boys’ and girls’ swimming coach; Adam Logan - NPHS assistant boys’ and girls’ swimming coach; Bethany Guyer - NPMS head cheer coach; and Heath Pingleton - NPMS assistant softball coach;

• ECA: Linda Gjesvold - NPHS musical art director; Dustin Bond - NPHS musical technical director/one vocal director; and Morgan Asher - NPHS musical sound technician;

• Resignation: Kyle Morgan - NPHS JV girls’ basketball coach (effective March 5).

Joining Singer, Tippin, Treasurer Tanya Pearson and the board were Corporation Attorney Darren Chadd and Administrative Assistant April Lambermont.

The next regular meeting of the North Putnam School Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in the large group instruction room at North Putnam High School.