North Putnam board passes wage payment resolution

BAINBRIDGE -- On the cusp of the state announcing that all Indiana schools were to be closed until at least May 1, the North Putnam School Board considered staff pay as the corporation’s COVID-19 response develops.

The board approved a resolution Thursday evening to ensure that school staff would be paid as the closures continue. Additionally, it was stated that the school corporation will use waiver days from yesterday until Friday, April 3. These days were allotted by the state last week.

Superintendent Nicole Singer added that e-learning will be implemented for three days a week until May 1.

The board also passed a resolution that gave Singer or another designee permision to conduct regular business such as payrolls and bills according to the situation.

The body also considered and then approved another three-year agreement with BSN Sports Rewards to provide apparel to sports teams. Board member Dustin Osborn dissented on the approval.

In other business, the board approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) stating that North Putnam and neighboring school districts would provide transportation and support between them during emergencies. Cloverdale Schools recently approved a similar document.

The board also approved a trip to the 2021 presidential inauguration next January. The trip would be managed through WorldStrides Educational Travel, an agency which the corporation has worked with on previous trips.

The board also approved for North Putnam Schools to be designated as part of the Purple Star School program. This is a new initiative by the Indiana Department of Education to recognize military service.

Finally, the board approved a resolution to adopt a policy which will allow for remote participation during future board meetings as the COVID-19 situation develops.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• New hires: Earl Hall - high school boys’ assistant golf coach; Marc Garriott - eighth-grade boys’ head basketball coach; Laurie Hensley - middle school assistant track coach; Katie Burdine - youth league softball coach; Emily Boller - youth league softball coach; and Jason Woodall - middle school assistant baseball coach;

• Leave: Monique Fields - high school teacher;

• Transfer: Chelsea Buis - full-time bus driver (from a substitute bus driver).

In her monthly report, Singer related that the school corporation was prepared to serve over 5,000 meals during spring break next week.

The next regular meeting of the North Putnam School Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. at the North Putnam Administration Office in Bainbridge.