Knoy consortium principals review year of achievement

Thursday, November 21, 2013
Western Indiana Knoy Learning Center Leadership principals include (front, from left) Jeff Bell, Clay City High School; Mike Springer, Monrovia; Chris Ross, Shakamak; Brian Disney, Mooresville; David Dean, Bloomfield; Kevin Frank, Eastern Greene; Rhonda Schafer, Owen Valley; Ernie Simpson, Northview; (back, from left) Dave Mahurin, Rockville; Dwight Ashley, Turkey Run; Kirk Freeman, WIKLC Program director; Russ Hesler, Greencastle; Sonny Stoltz, Cloverdale; Jeff Gibboney, Eminence, and Alan Zerkel, North Putnam. Not pictured Kieth Puckett, South Putnam; Dennis Moody, Riverton-Parke; Nathan Moore, Linton-Stockton; Don Harmon, South Vermillion; David Springer, Sullivan, and Lee Ann Engelhardt, White River Valley.

CLOVERDALE -- Now in their fourth year of 21st Century Community Learning Center funding, members of Western Indiana Knoy Learning Centers recently met to review results of another successful year for students.

With more than 898 students enrolled in the program, 1,157 credits issued and assistance with 249 diplomas earned, each consortium school celebrated with shared individual stories of student success due largely to principal and administrative leadership.

Additionally, 10 students who had officially withdrawn from school returned to consortium high schools to complete credit requirements to graduate from their respective schools.

Western Indiana Knoy Learning Centers is comprised of 20 high schools that span eight largely rural, western Indiana counties, united to meet the needs of students who may need a non-traditional format.

The program was designed by Carrie B. Milner, superintendent of Cloverdale Community School Corporation, as an answer to the challenges faced by smaller school districts and the students they serve.

CCSC serves as the LEA for the $1,240,000 grant.

Working together under the direction of Kirk Freeman, WIKLC program director, each high school within the consortium has steadily increased graduation rates by providing additional support and/or opportunities for students to graduate.

Joining Cloverdale in this unique collaborative program: Bloomfield, North Putnam, Clay Community Schools, Rockville, Eastern Greene, South Putnam, Eminence, South Vermillion, Greencastle, Southwest Community School Corporation, Linton-Stockton, Southwest Parke, Monroe-Gregg School Corporation, Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation, Mooresville, Turkey Run, Shakamak and White River Valley.

The program is unique in that individual school autonomy is preserved (for example, specific diploma requirements per school) but resources are shared. Students are recommended for the program through school administration and counseling upon review of individual circumstances.

It is the ultimate goal of the program for students to achieve a high school diploma that leads to gainful employment, workforce training or college aspirations; and ultimately have the tools necessary to become successful members of their respective communities.

Kirk Freeman of Kirk Freeman Consulting Inc. is a former Greencastle Community School Corporation assistant superintendent and Clay County educator.

For more information, persons may contact the Knoy Resource Center at 765-795-2495, ext. 5510 or 5563.

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