Board appoints new coach
GREENCASTLE --As one coach leaves, another steps into his place.
The Greencastle school board approved both the resignation of Eric Davis as the varsity football coach and the appointment of his replacement, Josh Buis. Both the resignation and the approval were part of 12 personnel items approved by the board.
"I think coach Davis did a good job in the one year he was here," superintendent Bob Green said. "I hate to see him move on but I understand his career goals and so forth. I wish him nothing but the best."
Green said that Davis, a long-term substitute with Greencastle, is looking for a full-time teaching job. He said that Davis' position was ending in April.
"I'm sure he'll do well wherever he goes," Green said.
Buis, the new coach, has been the defensive coordinator under Davis this season.
"I think our new coach was instrumental in our success this season and we look forward to him building on that and continue to have a good program," Green said.
Buis graduated from South Putnam High School in 1997 and DePauw in 2000. He has coached football in different capacities at Grand Valley State University, Northwestern University and Eastern Michigan University. Buis said that next year's football team needs to build on the foundation that this year's senior class started.
"We've started that. We're working very hard in the weight room Monday, Tuesday and Thursday," Buis said. "We need to take from last year and build on it for this year."
Buis said that his focus was going to be on improving the athletes he coaches as people.
"My job as a coach is to turn these boys of fall into men of honor, men of respect and men of discipline. If I can help them become better people, to be better men and future husbands and fathers and if we happen to win some football games in that process, great. If not, that's okay. The most important thing is to get these kids where they need to get to."
Board member Jack Berry announced at the meeting that he would be leaving the board.
"I've enjoyed being on the board with all the board colleagues, present and past," Berry said. "I think we have a great school system here, I'm very proud of all the work that's been done."
"I want to thank everybody," Berry said. "It's been fun and I will miss it.
Berry will be returning in January to receive a plaque for his service to the community.
The board heard a presentation on the Greencastle Community School's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report from assistant superintendent Dawn Puckett. Greencastle Schools as a whole met their AYP goals. The high school was the only school that didn't meet their goals, meeting nine of the 13 categories.
The board approved a request for a temporary treasurer services group. Educational Services Company will help Greencastle Community Schools while the current treasurer, Nancy Marlow, recovers after surgery.
"We're behind because of her illness," Green said. "These people and their services will catch us up."
Board vice president Kelly Lewis stepped down as the board's appointment to the park board, with board member Monica Fennell taking his place effective Jan. 1.
The board also approved donations from the Deer Meadow Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and from Theresa Cunningham State Farm Insurance. Deer Meadow PTO donated $2550 for mulch to add to the playground, and Therese Cunningham State Farm donated $500 to support the Deer Meadow Reading program.
"Please convey our thanks to them," said board president Bruce Stinebrickner. "The whole board thanks them."