Area 30 open to enrolling sophomores

With a new funding model based on average daily membership (ADM) being tested out, school leaders are now looking at allowing sophomores to enroll in programs at Area 30 Career Center.

A proposal from Cloverdale Superintendent Greg Linton, Area 30’s interlocal board of directors signaled that this change could come by at least next school year in a discussion had during its regular meeting Tuesday morning.

This is based on an ongoing concern that some of Area 30’s contributing school corporations are unable to meet their expected enrollment thresholds. The move, it was suggested, could help close those gaps.

Area 30 Director Lora Busch said enrolling sophomores has been done a few times in the past as special circumstances. She added that juniors and seniors can do so per Area 30’s current enrollment policy. Assistant Director Chad Nunley added that it is not uncommon for other career centers to do this.

Linton was interested in the “pros and cons” for each of the school corporations besides Cloverdale. Eminence Superintendent Wesley Hammond provided that homeschool students could not be able to successively complete programs. This includes not potentially forcing out students who have committed.

Busch said that almost all of Area 30’s programs are one-year ones which can lead to certifications being completed in the same time. She also said this could attract more students to Area 30.

Linton acknowledged that enrolling sophomores would not be doable this school year because of scheduling. Seeing the discussion as a first reading of sorts, the board nonetheless agreed to move forward with the consideration.

In other business:

• The board approved Area 30 student and staff handbooks for the 2021-22 school year. Besides student lab fees being found on pages 39-40 in the student handbook, a lunch charge max of $50 is now outlined in the staff handbook.

• The board approved appointing Cindy Burnham and Brianne Bumgardner as Area 30’s treasurer and deputy treasurer, respectively, as well as Michelle Cooper of Lewis & Kappes as its attorney.

• The board approved the nominations of North Putnam Superintendent Nicole Allee, South Putnam Superintendent Corey Smith and Linton as the board’s president, vice president and secretary, respectively, for the 2021-22 school year.

• The board approved continuing to hold its regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m.

• Nunley announced that student registration for Area 30 will be on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the building.

The board also approved hiring Ethan Baker as a temporary custodial employee for the rest of summer and the start of the school year. He will replace Tammy Galloway, whose resignation the board also approved.

With the rest of the board being present along with Busch, Nunley and Burnham, Greencastle Superintendent Jeff Gibboney was absent at the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Area 30 Board is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Old National Trail boardroom. This was moved from Tuesday, Aug. 10, as this will be Area 30’s first school day.