NP board approves learning loss staffer description, handbooks

ROACHDALE — North Putnam elementary and middle-school staff are anticipating the temporary addition of a staffer who can help students who have gotten behind.

At its regular meeting Thursday evening, the North Putnam School Board approved a job description for an interventionist who would provide services to help students recoup learning opportunities.

The staffer would coordinate student remediation services both inside and outside of school. She or he would then monitor students’ progress with the school and their parents.

The interventionist would work with teachers to provide these services to either individuals or small groups to build English/language arts and math skills. She or he would also be able to assist teachers and administration with assessments such as iReady and iRead.

Additionally, the interventionist would maintain records of students to base decision-making in terms of academic progress. Ultimately, he or she would assist with identifying students who might be in need of remediation.

The position will be funded through North Putnam’s receipt of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) grant funding through June 2023. The description states that the contract will be for 184-194 days, but this will be mutually agreed upon.

ESSER is a stimulus and emergency COVID-19 relief funding stream authorized under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. The legislation was passed by Congress last December.

The board also approved handbooks for students, athletics and transportation. Bainbridge Elementary Principal Rodney Simpson said COVID-19 provisions were retained for students, though he acknowledged this could change before school starts. North Putnam High School Asst. Principal Brandon Wagler added that minor changes were made to better conform to board policy.

In other business:

• The board approved a handbook for the Cougar Cub Developmental Preschool. Simpson said the program would be divided into four sections, with two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

The preschool would be held every weekday except for Wednesdays, which Simpson said would be for meetings and professional development. He added that both breakfast and lunch would be served, and that one teacher and an aide would teach each section.

• With a dissent from Russell Township representative Eric Oliver, the board approved the amended interlocal agreement recently passed by the Area 30 Board.

Superintendent Nicole Allee noted that while the raw numbers in Area 30’s 2021-22 budget indicate a higher cost for North Putnam, the corporation would receive credit. The contributions of each sending school will be based on average daily membership (ADM), and vacant seats would be filled according to their enrollment percentage.

• The board approved to advertise for bids for two activity buses. Director of Operations Terry Tippin said one of them would be wheelchair-accessible and that an August delivery date could be expected. He estimated the cost at about $120,000.

• The board approved a policy for elementary and middle school-level homeschool students to participate in school activities. Allee noted that immunizations and physical exams would have to be provided, as well as completing state tests, being enrolled in language arts and mathematics and submitting grade information.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• New hires: Bart Jochim - athletic director; Jessica Ross and Brianna Shafer - Bainbridge Elementary teachers; Pamela Bacon - NPHS language arts teacher; Heather Goss Clingan - NPHS/NPMS agriculture science teacher; Keith Gilpatrick - NPMS assistant principal; Caitlyn McMurtry - Roachdale Elementary instructional assistant; Dane Spencer, Arrick Kramer, Jada Brooks and Peyton Donaldson - summer laborers; Haley Weaver - NPMS head girls’ soccer coach; Kate McElheney and PJ Detro - sixth-grade volleyball coaches; Bronwyn Spencer - eighth-grade volleyball head coach; Nikki Riggle - eighth-grade volleyball assistant coach; Tara Lawrence - seventh-grade volleyball head coach; Earl Hall - eighth-grade boys’ basketball head coach; and Brent Connor - seventh-grade boys’ basketball head coach;

• Resignations: Linda Stewart - NPHS treasurer/secretary (effective June 18); and Dani Henshilwood - general elementary/Title I teacher.

Ron Spencer was the only board member absent at the meeting. Also joining the board and Allee were Director of Operations Terry Tippin, Corporation Treasurer Tanya Pearson, Corporation Attorney Darren Chadd and Administrative Assistant April Lambermont.

The next regular meeting of the North Putnam School Board is scheduled for Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. in the large group instruction room at North Putnam High School.