Area 30 board approves agreements on mental health, Early College

Convening for a short meeting, Area 30 Career Center’s interlocal board approved two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) pertaining to mental health and its Early College program Thursday morning.

The board first approved an MoU for Cummins Behavioral Health providing mental or behavioral health services to students. Executive Director Chad Nunley noted that sending schools’ services have been utilized, but that the MoU was required for a Secured School Safety Grant.

The grant is to go toward a new or improved public address system, as well as two new AEDs and new signage. Nunley indicated that it is a lower-tier grant (i.e., $35,000 and below) which Area 30 will match at 25 percent.

The board also approved an MoU with Vincennes University to continue its Early College partnership with Area 30 through 2027. Nunley noted that these MoUs run on a four-year cycle. The partnership began in 2019.

In other business:

• Asst. Director Sharon Bone updated the board that enrollment at Area 30 was current at 348 students. She noted that there were waitlists for several classes, but that the number would “ebb and flow” before it is finally set.

The board approved the hiring of Brian Smith and Chris McKarski as the auto collision technology assistant and a part-time custodian, respectively.

• Nunley related that two pieces of metalworking equipment were recently auctioned by Freije & Freije Auctioneers for $2,750.

Nunley announced that bids had been received for the construction of a wall between the welding and construction trades lab spaces. While the wall will provide noise and dust reduction, Nunley said ventilation would have to be improved, as it would restrict opening a garage door.

With Greencastle Supt. Jeff Gibboney and interim North Putnam Supt. Carrie Milner absent, Treasurer Cindy Burnham joined Nunley, Bone and the rest of the board for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Area 30 Board is set for Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Old National Trail conference room.