CHS to move forward with new greenhouse

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale school board made several approvals during its regular meeting Monday night. Among them was an approval to move forward on its new greenhouse.

Several bids were received on the project, and the board chose to go with Garmong. Superintendent Carrie Milner noted Garmong was the most reasonable and responsible bidder.

The new greenhouse will replace the current one at the high school, which is not year-round. The new structure will have amenities to be a year-round greenhouse. The only reservation board members had was drainage issues and if the project could be done all at the same time.

"The funds are there," said Milner about how the project will be financed.

It seems most of the money will come from a stimulus package and funds left over from previous facility upgrades.

Other approvals include changing the policy on programs for gifted and talented to high ability, as the US Department of Education required; a review and adoption schedule for the 2010 budget; applying for Title I funds, which is done annually; and appointing Rebecca Barham to the Putnam County Public Library board for a four-year term.

In communications, the Knoy Summer Camp has been a success. There have been more than 200 children participate in the free program. Transportation has been provided at no cost and according to Milner it has been working out well.

"The kids have been having a wonderful time," noted Milner.

All board members agreed the summer camp has been a great program.

Cloverdale Community School Corporation has been approved for a career managers grant. CCSC and Area 30 Career Center were the only two facilities in the area approved for the $30,000 grant.

"It has been a good program for us," said Milner.

Board members were informed on new security checks. Any driver for the school corporation will have to obtain a physical at their expense and an expanded criminal background check will be conducted on all new hires.

The background check will include the sex offenders registry and go beyond the state of Indiana.

Before the close of the meeting, board member Tony Hacker gave a few congratulations. He first congratulated Milner on her membership to the 2009-2010 Indiana Association of Public School Superintendent's executive committee.

He also congratulated the girls' softball team on a great year and all 88 graduates who walked across the stage last Saturday during the commencement ceremony.