South Putnam board hears water request, commencement plans

Meeting remotely and broadcasting live through YouTube, the South Putnam School Board considered items related to graduation and the corporation’s 2021 budget during its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt told the board that the South Putnam Youth League had made a request to install a water line that would run to a trailer that the organization uses.

He said that Maintenance Supervisor Jim Samsel had been consulted, and that the line was ready to be laid with the board’s permission. He added that the line would run to the trailer from the practice field, and that Samsel would oversee the installation. The request was approved.

The board also approved the calendar for discussing and adopting the corporation’s budget for 2021.

Bernhardt provided that Aug. 19 is when a proposed budget will be reviewed and approved, followed by submitting it on Aug. 21. A taxpayer notice will be posted on Sept. 2, followed by a public hearing on Sept. 23. Another meeting held on Oct. 7 will include adopting the budget, with its rates and levies being sent to the Department of Local Government and Finance (DLGF) on Oct. 9.

The board also approved accepting student transfers during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year, and continuing to allow them up until the end of next January. This will be corporation-wide.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations:

- Certified: Emily Dobson - MS/HS English teacher; and Jenna Nord - MS/HS math teacher;

- Classified: Pamelee Kendall - MS/HS MS instructional assistant (effective May 4);

- ECA: Jenna Nord - MS/HS Student Council sponsor; Seth Hammond - MS/HS JV boys’ basketball coach; Emily Dobson - MS/HS JV volleyball coach; Shanlee Cline - middle school volleyball coach; Annie Richmond - middle school swim coach; Chuck Sorrell - MS/HS boys’ track coach; Cassie Lehmann MS/HS girls golf coach; and Greg Dean - elementary basketball coordinator;

• New hires:

- Certified: Ian Vassar - MS/HS art teacher; Lauren Flanders - MS/HS agriculture teacher (effective July 1); Travis Turpen - MS/HS math teacher; Ellen Cash MS/HS - English teacher

- Classified: Jared Hutcheson - Maintenance director (effective June 1);

- ECA: Travis Turpen - MS/HS boys’ varsity basketball coach; Bethany Combs - MS/HS JV volleyball coach; Heath Pruitt - MS/HS boys’ track coach; and Lauren Flanders - MS/HS FFA;

• Summer workers: Terri Canfield - mowing; Angela Garl - mowing; Nancy Knapp - bus cleaning; Isis Earnest - bus cleaning; Ethan Wallace - bus cleaning; and Steven Hamke - bus cleaning.

Before the meeting adjourned, Principal Levi Yowell expanded on how a different kind of commencement plan will be followed through for South Putnam’s seniors.

He said that all the graduates would be invited back to the high school on Tuesday, May 19 to have the opportunity to walk. He added that the stage would be set up like a normal graduation, with Counselor Brian Gardner reading names and Yowell giving them their diplomas.

Yowell stated that graduates would be able to bring up to four family members, who would have the opportunity to take pictures and record the event. Professional photographers will also be on hand to take photos of the students’ stage walk, as well as them with their families.

Yowell emphasized that this plan has been approved by the Putnam County Health Department.

A drive-in-type event is planned for Saturday, May 23, which will include a parade for the graduates. The valedictorian, salutatorian and class president will also read their speeches. After the parade, Yowell will speak and present the graduating class to the superintendent.

In his monthly report, Bernhardt recognized Secretary Wes Hacker recently being named an “exemplary board member” by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA). He explained that Hacker had consistently attended professional development meetings offered by the ISBA, and thanked him for his service to the board.

Bernhardt also thanked South Putnam’s parents, staff and administrators for how they have worked together during the closures brought on by COVID-19. He highlighted how teachers have tried to provide the best education possible for students.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.