South Putnam board approves new bleachers, wastewater maintenance

With approvals from the South Putnam School Board at its regular meeting Wednesday evening, new bleachers are planned at South Putnam Middle/High School. The board also had a discussion concerning its approval of a proposal for maintaining water quality.

Superintendent Corey Smith said new upper-deck bleachers would address concerns with spectator and custodian safety and be motorized by running circuits. As such, this will round out planned updates in the gymnasium as its new sound system.

It being a limited project, Smith said the bleachers are to be purchased and installed using leftover funds for other projects at the high school, as well as a small amount from a general obligation (GO) bond.

South Putnam Middle/High School Principal Levi Yowell said the installation was “penciled in” for September. While they are not used much for fall sports, he stated they would be ready before basketball season.

As for the wastewater, Smith introduced a contract from Wastewater Operators Corporation for maintenance and servicing. Board Secretary Wes Hacker first asked about a $40 maintenance fee separate from the overall contract. Addressing confusion on this, Maintenance Supervisor Jared Hutcheson said it was requested at a later date than the quote, which was not made clear.

As such, the maintenance in question would include general items such as greasing chains. To a query from Board Vice President Lisa Cooper about the frequency of maintenance, Hutcheson said it would be twice a week. Meanwhile, the total charge would be a monthly expense.

Hacker noted that the school corporation would not have to cover supplies for testing, and that the company would be licensed and insured. As such, they would take care of licensing and permits. The approval was made pending receipt of their insurance proof.

In other business:

• The board approved a specific facility use request from the Legacy Elite Academy to use the gymnasium at Fillmore Elementary School for basketball games. It was noted that this was the first time they had asked to use the space. Board member Joseph Roach asked about potential risks, to which Smith said the organization would have proof of insurance.

• The board approved a request for a South Putnam school bus and driver to transport students to an annual 4-H program at Shakamak State Park held June 8-11. Transportation Director Brad Ogborn outlined that 30-40 students would be picked up at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and the old Reelsville Elementary School.

• The board approved purchasing a new mower for athletic fields. Smith said the purchase was needed due to ongoing issues with the mower currently being used. While the amount was not specified, the board as such approved a bid from Humphrey’s Outdoor Power.

•The board approved a rate proposal from Teachers Credit Union which Smith said would “significantly” increase a rate of return on the school corporation’s capital. Not providing specifics, he added that capital is now sitting at a “certain” interest rate to get a higher return on this money that has not been accessed.

• The board approved a proposal from Hendricks Regional Health for nursing services and sports medicine. Smith noted that he had met with Hendricks and school staff multiple times, while Yowell added that this would take over from a sports medicine contract expiring by July 1.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month: Mason Crabb (Central Elementary); Josey Mathena (Fillmore Elementary); Taylor Wagoner (South Putnam Middle School); and Kelsea Storm (South Putnam High School). While Mathena and Wagoner could not attend, Central Elementary Principal Todd Gowen also highlighted Easton Tomaw as the Kindergarten Student of the Month.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

Resignations: Emily Brinkman – Fillmore Elementary teacher; Anthony Freimanis, Matt Pickerill, Brady Rhodes and Jessie McKean – middle/high school teachers (effective end of the year); Greg Mitchell – middle/high school custodian; Jill Newton – girls’ JV basketball coach; Jessie McKean – middle school swim coach; and Brady Rhodes – Diversity Club and senior class sponsor;

Employment: Brianna Cousins – middle/high school custodian; Alexis Vanihel – middle/high school instructional assistant (2022-23 school year) and girls’ JV basketball coach; and Jonathan Corey – mechanic.

Gregg Hinchman was the only board member absent. Meanwhile, joining Smith and the rest of the board were Corporation Treasurer Hilarie Logan and Administrative Assistant Terri Beasley.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is set for Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. in the South Putnam MS/HS Learning Center.