South Putnam school board welcomes reading curriculum, thanks retirees

GREENCASTLE — In an effort to give special attention to students across South Putnam with delayed reading skills, Pamela Roberts, Special Education Coordinator, asked the school board on June 14 to consider agreeing to a 5-year contract with the reading curriculum “Reading Horizons”’ tier-three reading intervention program.

“The greatest gift that we can give our children is the love and skill of reading,” Roberts said. “Our teachers have done a good job over the years, but there’s been a missing piece. And that piece is a systematic, research-based intervention program to put in place for our struggling learners,” she added.

Both physical and digital materials from Reading Horizons would be distributed to roughly 45 students and teachers across South Putnam, with training sessions provided to teachers, Roberts said.

“The winners are going to be those kids for whom perhaps the magic hasn’t happened yet,” she added. The board then approved of purchasing the curriculum.

Another item on the agenda included recognizing Debbie Steffy, Fillmore Elementary school principal, who is retiring.

“It’s been my honor and privilege to serve South Putnam Community School corporation. Twenty-nine years went really fast,” Steffy said. The board presented an award for her years of service, and attendees applauded.

Terri Beasley, administrative office business/operation coordinator/executive secretary was also recognized for over 30 years of service to South Putnam schools as she heads into retirement.

“You’re irreplaceable, and we want to thank you for everything you’ve done for South Putnam,” said Dr. Corey Smith, superintendent.

Other business:

- The school reopening plan was approved after its biannual assessment from the school board.

- According to Smith, there are 71 policy updates added, including changes in policy. The board will revisit and make a motion on these changes at next month’s board meeting.

- The purchasing of a Kubota tractor from Area 30 was discussed and approved by the board. The tractor will be used across South Putnam schools.

A written resolution was approved by the board to delay the bid opening of the Central Elementary parking lot from June 15 to June 19.

Attorney Stacy Barclay asked the board to consider the exploration of a potential sale of the Putnamville property owned by the school corporation. Putnamville Church of Faith, formerly known as Putnamville United Methodist Church, had been on a “long term lease,” for 50 years on property owned by the school corporation. “But with a change in their name it’s a change in affiliation as well,” said Barclay.

On behalf of the new church, Barclay sought authorization for the church to speak with the board about signing a lease or selling the property to the organization. The board approved.

- The board also approved the following personnel report.

Resignations: Jessica Boller - Fillmore instructional assistant; Todd Gowen - corporation school safety coordinator; Mandy Wells - middle school student council sponsor; Erin Roach - middle/high school guidance secretary and concessions manager; Whitney Hall - administrative office secretary/receptionist; Thomas Champion - high school drama club director; Rachelle Curtis - middle/high school website content manager; Shirley Parrish - middle/high school custodian.

Employment recommendations: Jamie Birkemeier - Central Elementary special education teacher; Samantha Jones - Central Elementary instructional assistant; Shyniya Liles - Central Elementary instructional assistant; Rachelle Curtis - high school counselor; Becky Jones - registrar/counseling office administration assistant; Cassidy Troyer - middle/high school concessions manager; Josh Estridge - middle/high school fall weightlifting; John Skomp - school safety coordinator; Samantha Jones - bus driver.

Summer workers: Jonah Taylor - summer swim; Addison Gibson - summer swim; Addalyn Brinkman - summer swim; July Owen - summer swim; Nancy Knapp - bus cleaning; Les Brown - bus cleaning; Lou Ogborn - bus cleaning; Kennedi Mayfield - bus cleaning; James Wilson - mowing.

Employee shifts: Gretchen Wallace will be the new benefits manager and treasurer in the central office, and Erin Roach will be the executive secretary and do state reporting.

In the superintendent’s report, Smith updated the board on the promising progress on the roof project at the high school, as well as science teachers moving into their new labs. New locker rooms are ready for students in the fall, and the parking lot project at central is awaiting bids to authorize the project. Interviews for the Fillmore elementary school principal position are beginning Tuesday, and staffing in all areas is going well, he said.

“Other than that, today is another great day to be an Eagle,” Smith said.

The next regular meeting will be held Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. in the South Putnam Middle/High School media center.