GCSC adoption of NEOLA policies adjusted

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

With so many schools throughout the state adopting policies developed by Neola, which "provide students and staff with the tools they need to succeed," the Greencastle School Board has decided to make some minor changes before its ultimate approval and implementation.

Receiving a second-reading approval during the May meeting at the newly-renovated GCSC administration offices, these policies cover everything from harassment to staff evaluation. Formerly known as the North East Ohio Learning Associates, Neola offers facility studies, population projects and various curricula for schools throughout the Midwest.

Adjustments discussed included background checks, political polling locations proof-of-illness.

"The vast majority of these Neola policy (adjustments) consist of minor word changes that will put us in legal compliance with the government," Superintendent Dawn Puckett said.

Specifically, there are a variety of non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies which address civil rights," Puckett continued. "Some policies will expand our requirements on background checks -- we now will have to verify that there are no substantiated charges with the Department of Child Services."

Puckett went on to say that new-employee verification will now include the validity of an applicant's driver's license, not only for Indiana but for any state in which the applicant has lived or licensed as a teacher.

"It certainly broadens the scope of our background checks and slows down the process, but all in a very positive way," Puckett said. "Policies dealing specifically with curriculum specify that we cannot offer curricula contrary to the state's law."

Furthermore, Puckett stated that these revised policies will better provide services to students suffering from mental illness.

Textbooks and their prices were also discussed. Changes in Indiana's laws state that charges for textbooks can now be based on 25 percent of the retail price.

In other developments:

* A master Girl Scout presented to the board a proposal to construct covers for benches used on school property -- more specifically the benches around the soccer fields in order to protect against skin cancer.

* Projectors, both to be used in class and at the administration building, were approved for purchase Monday.

* A "declaration of intent to reimburse expenditures" was approved. This concerns the potential purchase of land currently owned by Hanson Aggregates and its allocation of funds.

The board stressed that this is a debt-neutral action and that there will be no tax increase for residents.

* A contract with Michelle Riehle was approved for her services in occupational therapy throughout the school district.

* Additional "days for nurses," which concern adding time for nurses to properly report immunization statuses, were discussed and approved.

* A summer band program was approved. Students may visit Greencastle High School from July 18 to Aug. 3 to study music from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the high school music room.

* A van, to be used for various purposes including (but not limited to) snow removal in winter was approved.

* Bond "C," which was an allotment of funds to fix the roof at Ridpath Primary, has unused funds. Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Hubble used the remaining funds to purchase an additional 250 iPads for the district. Now, Hubble says, the school's infrastructure is complete.

The next school board meeting for Greencastle Schools will be on Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at the school's administration office.

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