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Board announces closure of investigation
GREENCASTLE -- The South Putnam School Board announced Tuesday it has closed its investigation into the alleged forced resignation of former SPHS social studies teacher and varsity baseball coach Harold Campbell.
"No further action will be taken," said Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt during the meeting.
Campbell claims his Feb. 26 resignation was at the request of SPHS principal Kieth Puckett, who told Campbell some serious allegations had been brought against him.
Campbell contends a proper investigation was not conducted before Puckett requested his resignation. The Indiana State Teachers Association began its own investigation into the allegations and took its findings before the board during an executive session in April.
ISTA representative Kim Fidler, who was present at Monday night's meeting, said the case is not closed as far as the ISTA is concerned.
In addition, Filder told the board members she has been moved to a new district due to some reorganization by the ISTA. Steve Wise will be the new ISTA representative and taking over the case.
"I will be helping Steve with the case, but will be serving a different district," she said.
In other business:
* The price of a school lunch will increase by $.05 for the 2009/2010 school year. A student will now pay $2.45 and the cost for an adult will be $3.15. The price of breakfast will remain the same.
* The board approved elementary textbook fees. The prices are as follows: kindergarten, $63.07; first grade, $91.23; second grade, $77.83; third grade, $66.73; fifth grade, $54.31; and sixth grade, $58.06.
* Board members approved the transfer tuition policy. It allows a student living outside the school district to transfer provided he or she has good grades, behavior and attendance at the previous school. It also states the student can transfer as long as there is no undue burden on the school, such as class size. The transfer student must also provide his or her own transportation.
The non-resident student admission policy is available at the school's office for anyone who is interested.
* The board approved to make temporary loans from the Rainy Day Fund, if needed, on June 30 and Dec. 31. This will take the place of the corporation taking outside loans and paying interest.
* School board president Michael Rissler and vice-president Steve Cash read their oath of office for board members following the meeting being called to order.
* Becky Samsel and Terri Beasley will remain treasurer and deputy treasurer, respectively.
* Bernhardt, Samsel, Beasley and Cash will remain as the bid opening committee.
* Regular board meetings will still be conducted on the third Monday of every month with a few exceptions. On Jan. 19 and Feb. 16, which are Tuesdays, the board will meet. On Dec. 14, which is the second Monday of the month, the board will meet due to winter break.
* Personnel report:
New hires include Jennifer Perrin as high school English teacher; Harriett Dobson as high school English teacher for two periods per semester; Robert Wasson as high school science teacher; Zack Love and Marc Hendrickson to share the junior high school football coaching position; and Steve Ricketts as technology director for the corporation.
Resignations include Stephanie Schopmeyer as high school family and consumer science teacher; Harriett Dobson as high school English teacher at the end of the 2009/2010 school year; Robert Wasson as high school science teacher, also at the end of the 2009/2010 school year; and Dian Hurst as computer lab aide at the high school.