New esports league at Area 30 approved

One of few actionable items on its agenda, Area 30 Career Center’s interlocal board of trustees approved esports as an extracurricular activity Tuesday morning.

In bringing the request to the board, Executive Director Chad Nunley said that three instructors proposed starting a league, which would be sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

Nunley added that students in any Area 30 program can participate in the league, which would be after school, and students would have their own transportation. He said a preliminary count found 15 students who are interested.

As to costs, Nunley said language regarding compensation for the league’s instructors would be set out in an agreement as a standard amount. With some other courses no longer being offered, funds allocated to those can cover the compensation.

“It’s a neat program; it’s not just video games,” Nunley said. He and North Putnam Supt. Nicole Allee also noted that similar programs work on team-building and presentations, and even stretching and posture.

In other business:

• Nunley provided that Area 30 would not contact homeschools for textbook fee reimbursements. Area 30 students in general were not charged for textbooks for this school year.

• Nunley reported that Form 30As for Area 30’s sending schools, which provide the number of students in each CTE course and the number of credits, would be uploaded this week. While adjustments can be made in the meantime, the board is to sign off on them next month.

• The board approved hiring current Vincennes University and former Area 30 student Carter Black as an hourly assistant in the advanced manufacturing (W.I.R.E.D.) program. Nunley said this is a new position that will not require a budget increase. He added that Black has been coming to Area 30 on Fridays.

• Nunley reported that all of Area 30’s buses passed a state inspection conducted on Sept. 13.

With Asst. Director Sharon Bone, Greencastle Supt. Jeff Gibboney and Cloverdale Supt. Greg Linton absent, South Putnam Supt. Corey Smith, Eminence Supt. Wesley Hammond and Treasurer Cindy Burnham joined Nunley and Allee for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Area 30 Board is set for Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. in the Old National Trail boardroom.