Gym PA system updates eyed at SPHS

With Superintendent Corey Smith saying it is “on its last leg” during the South Putnam School Board’s regular meeting Wednesday, there are plans to fix the South Putnam Middle-High School gym’s PA system.

Joking that the system still has a cassette deck from when it was installed in the 1980s, Smith said the most of the system’s components are decidedly outdated and need overhauled. As such, the board approved for it to be updated.

Smith provided that the cost of the improvements could be “upwards” of $50,000, but that funds were available. However, getting the new components could be several months out due to continuing supply chain constraints.

Smith said the goal would be to have the system complete by graduation next May. He added that it would be vendor-installed and that the amps could be worked into the update.

In other business:

• The board approved Food Service Director Lori Boyce having a specific credit card for purchases. Smith said the card would be connected to a separate account for when Boyce orders and picks up food items.

• The board had its first public reading on a new vision statement for the school corporation. The statement currently reads as follows: “Developing creative critical thinkers who can adapt, confront and endure life’s challenges.”

Board member Lisa Cooper commented that a more “proactive” word was needed rather than “confront,” which she said was too aggressive. She suggested “brave” instead as the verb. Smith provided that the statement would be further developed.

• The board approved South Putnam’s set calendar for the 2022-23 school year. Smith noted that the calendar would align with Cloverdale, North Putnam and Area 30, but not necessarily Greencastle.

To a query from Cooper, Smith specified that professional development days now worked into the calendar would use “asynchronous” e-learning, in which students would have pre-planned lessons.

• The board approved Compass-Keynote Consulting to conduct a three-day “climate” audit to determine areas of “strength” and “growth” at South Putnam. Smith said the audit was geared toward strategic planning which will be addressed next spring.

• The board re-approved South Putnam’s COVID plan. Smith said this was required in terms of receiving funds through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Smith noted that the only major change made was language related to a vaccine being available to elementary students, where previously the language said one was not available.

• The board approved to engage Baker Tilly Financial Services to assist with changes in legacy accounts and Computrol. Smith added that the changes would be beneficial in case the state will conduct a financial audit.

The board also recognized the Central Elementary Spell Bowl Team. The team placed sixth in its division in an annual competition through Purdue University last month.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month: Allison Shidler (Central Elementary School); Koleton Dempsey (Fillmore Elementary School); Jaydyn Gilson (South Putnam Middle School); and Amelia Jester (South Putnam High School).

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignation: Rhonda Fisher - Central Elementary;

• Employment: Emily Johnson - Central Elementary teacher; Shania Harper - Central Elementary instructional assistant; Riachel Mosteller - South Putnam MS/HS teacher; and Troy Burgess - athletic director.

Corporation Treasurer Hilarie Logan and Administrative Assistant Terri Beasley joined Smith and the entire board for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the South Putnam MS/HS Learning Center.