Update planned for South Putnam communications system

In an effort to help parents, teachers and visitors be better informed, updates this year to South Putnam’s communications platform are waiting in the wings.

The South Putnam School Board approved an agreement with the school marketing service Apptegy to implement these upgrades during its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

With his request for the approval, Superintendent Corey Smith briefed the board on how communication with the school community would be improved in terms of getting information out more readily.

The new system would replace the school corporation’s communication package, including its website as a whole as well as its messenger platform. The overarching element is that it would be more mobile-friendly and more efficient to update.

Smith noted that the system would have checks for how content is uploaded, in that building and district administrators would have oversight before publishing. The technology department and department heads would also have access.

“It’s something that’s needed to be done for a while,” Smith said. “Through my research and talking with other districts that use it, they’re more than satisfied and love what it does for them and their communication with their students and families.”

Though no specific amount was given, Smith said the service cost would be all-inclusive and that it was discounted. The contract would run through this school year and be renewed next June.

Smith said developing the timeline for phasing in the system would begin as soon as Friday. As such, a full roll-out could be completed by the end of the semester. This would include a “dry run” to see if it is working correctly and different aspects being gradually activated.

In other business:

• The held its public hearing on South Putnam’s budget for 2022. With no public comments, the hearing was quickly opened and closed. The budget is set to be adopted by the board next month.

• Paul Pfledderer of Administrator Assistance gave a brief update on the school corporation’s financials. He noted that claims in the Operations Fund had jumped due to purchasing school buses, while cash flows in the Education Fund were basically unchanged.

• The board approved an updated teacher appreciation grant (TAG) policy. Smith noted that the “biggest caveat” is that teachers rated Highly Effective would be awarded compensation 25-percent higher than those rated Effective.

• The board approved a compensation scale for custodians applicable to this school year. It sets out the hourly rate in terms of years working at South Putnam: zero-two years is $12; three-five years is $12.50; six-10 years is $13; 11-15 years is $14.50; 16-20 years is $16; and 21-plus years is $17.50.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month:

• Central Elementary School: Josie Hirt

• Fillmore Elementary School: Landen Hayes

• South Putnam Middle School: Khalil Jefferson

• South Putnam High School: Hannah Basler

Hirt and Jefferson were not in attendance.

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignations: Tonya Geldmeier - bus driver; Cara Cash - MS/HS drill and dance teams; and Darcie May - Central Elementary food service;

• Leaves: Tom Starnes - athletic director (administrative leave);

• Employment: Tina Kirchoff - Title I (temporary contract, beginning after fall break); Allen Landree - MS/HS custodian; Natalie Hodge - high school student council co-sponsor; Rachelle Custis - high school student council co-sponsor; high school math academic coach; Cathy Boyce - seventh-grade class sponsor; Elaine Bye - middle school English academic coach; Amy Cassida - ninth-grade class co-sponsor; Thomas Champion - fine arts academic coach; Leah Henry - Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Natalie Hodge - high-school science academic coach; and Erin Roach - concessions co-director;

• Athletics: Levi Hoffman - assistant swim coach; and Antonio Hernandez - head wrestling coach;

• Retirement: Bill Barnett - custodian (effective Dec. 31).

Joining Smith and the whole board for the meeting was Administrative Assistant Terri Beasley.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the South Putnam MS/HS Learning Center.