NP board votes down extracurricular hires

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam school board members got an update on the recycling program at Bainbridge Elementary School, approved memorandums of understanding for the North Putnam Classroom Teachers' Association Professional contracts and voted down approval for 25 extra curricular staff hires.

The contract items concerned parent/teacher conferences and payroll deductions for Indiana State Teachers Association.

"The fees have risen and this gives them an opportunity to spread it out," explained Superintendent Dr. Mary Lovejoy.

Dates for parent/teacher conferences have also been set. They will take place at the elementary schools from 2:50 to 3:20 p.m. on Oct. 15, 19, 20 and 21. Middle School and High School parent/teacher Conferences will take place from 7:50 to 8:20 a.m. on Oct. 15, 19, 20 and 21. In addition, parent/teacher Conferences will be held at the elementary, middle school and high school level on Oct. 21 from 3:20 to 7:20 p.m.

The board split 4-3 and voted down approval of 25 extra curricular staff hires for sports programs. Debbie Sillery, Andy Beck, Charlie Boller and Carl Blau voted against approving the group of names presented. Mark Fordice, Dale McGaughey and Jon Busser voted in favor of approving the group of names.

Sillery told the group she had voiced her objection about a name on the list before.

The subject came up after the vote, with Fordice commenting that there were people on that list who needed to take care of business. The group includes positions at the high school for boys and girls basketball assistant coaching positions, stat keeping, chaperone, wrestling, swimming, diving, golf, baseball, softball, track and conditioning.

Lovejoy told Fordice, "Their business is just going to have to wait."

Dale McCaughey pointed out that the majority of the positions were voluntary ones. After some discussion about ways to approve only certain positions, the subject was terminated. No names or specific positions were noted.

Certified staff changes that were approved included the resignation of Kevin Smith as middle school teacher and the employment of Bradi Gibson as a teacher at the middle school.

Support staff changes included the employment of Mecca Willis as high school instructional assistant, Kelley Leonard as bus driver and Mary Robinson as bus assistant volunteer.

Extra curricular staff after 4 p.m. that were approved include Tyler Egli as eighth grade girls head basketball coach, Wesley Richardson as middle school head swim coach, Susan Trent as middle school head track coach and sixth grad girls basketball coach, Ron Price as assistant strength and conditioning coach, Linda Patrick as middle school head golf coach, Marsha Davidson as middle school assistant golf coach and Joan Knapp as middle school assistant girls' track coach.

The board approved the retirement of central office administrative secretary Vonda McGaughey, effective Oct. 14.

Several board members commented on McGaughey's professionalism and the excellent job she has performed.

"Thank you very much," said Fordice, who jokingly added, "Now who is going to take care of me and tell me to come get my board packet?"

Sillery told McGaughey the board wished her well and thanked her for all her service.

High School principal Alan Zerkel and assistant principal Jason Chew discussed a new PEERS program they are planning on implementing at the high school.

Peers Educating and Encouraging Responsible Sexuality is a program brought to their attention by Dr. Veronica Dorsch at a meeting earlier this year. North Central High School in Indianapolis implemented the program and has had excellent results.

More information on this program will be available at a later date.

A discussion about the McCormick's Creek overnight trip also took place. Next year, student's will be asked to pay a $25 fee with some businesses and organizations donating funds for kids who might need financial help.

The board also approved contracts for a water treatment operator at $1,000 a month. IDEM requires certification for this position. Doug Clodfelter will fill the role.

A contract amendment was approved for Dr. Tim Jackson with Education Services Consultants dropping his hours from 48 to 35. Beck asked Lovejoy to try to get the mileage reimbursement in the contract dropped. The contract was approved, excluding the reimbursement.

The second reading of a policy revision on criminal history information was made and approved 7-0. Changes in criminal history information under the expanded Indiana Code require more in background checks. These are done through the Educational Service Center. Applicants will have to pay the $29 fee. Volunteer checks will be paid for by the school corporation.

The North Putnam Community School Corporation meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.