RIFs possible at South Putnam

GREENCASTLE -- Currently there is one kindergarten class each at Central and Reelsville elementary schools. A reduction in force will be taken should there only be one class per school next school year.

"We could have a surplus in teachers next year," Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said during the monthly school board meeting Monday.

South Putnam School Board members voted to non-renew the contract of Emily Reitzell at Fillmore Elementary effective at the end of the year. Reitzell has the least seniority with the corporation, which is what the reduction decision is based on.

"It is not a reflection of her teaching," Bernhardt said of Reitzell. "She is a good teacher. (The reduction) is a justifiable need."

Other personnel changes approved Monday include Adam McCullough as the assistant swim coach at the high school; Reitzell as a part-time M.A.T.H. team coach and Evonne Canary as a part-time M.A.T.H. team coach at Fillmore; Renata Hacker as the high school drill team sponsor; Todd Crosby as a part-time assistant wrestling coach at the high school; and Adam Wishart as the junior high school swim coach.

"These are all replacements," said Bernhardt. "No new positions have been created."

In addition, the board voted to donate $1,000 from its capital projects fund to Reelsville Elementary for a makeover. The school won a makeover through the Indiana State Teachers Association's Outreach to Teach program.

"I think it would be appropriate," Bernhardt told board members.

A group of 200 volunteers will arrive at the nearly 100-year-old school April 17 to repaint the teacher's lounge and gymnasium. Aside from the $1,000 donation for paint from the corporation, the Outreach to Teach program does fundraising to support its projects.