Parents of JCD students to review ISTEP tests
Class size, attendance discussed
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Jac-Cen-Del Elementary principal Mike Stephens reported to the school board that teachers have been examining copies of the student ISTEP test booklets. They have been looking at how students answered questions and what standards were covered. Notices will be going home with students for parents to review with their child.

Stephens reported Jac-Cen-Del fifth grade teachers have met with South Ripley's fifth grade teachers, at their request. This is in reference to the schedules of these grades. They were asking what Jac-Cen-Del was doing and what can be learned by each school in scheduling.

Stephens advised a study is ongoing for future consideration for full day Kindergarten.

Plans are beginning for next year in possible staff movement and changes in special education improvement and structure.

Stephens advised of some projects that are in the planning stage for over spring break. He discussed concerns of teachers and administrators in reference to failing students and possible retention. Stephens discussed the size of the fourth grade class and the consideration of hiring an aide to help. He addressed attendance of students, the Good News Club and advised of the schedule for the two new student teachers, April Hughes and Courtney Hughes.

First grade teacher Brenda Mergenthal gave a presentation on how the first grade students are instructed and the curriculum which is used for the instruction. Displays were available for the board and patrons to view.

Recognition was given to the boys freshman basketball team which went undefeated during their regular season. Also, Kaitlin Hughes won a gold medal in the state ensemble contest. JCD Dance Teams came in first place in the Senior Pom Division.

Treasurer Ruth Ann Peetz advised the board she attended a public hearing on Thursday, February 16 at the courthouse. The hearing was held in conjunction with the reassessment equalization by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). The hearing was conducted by Wayne Hudson from the DLGF.

Hudson advised that Jac-Cen-Del and other Ripley County schools' budget orders for 2006 are being held up due to a state error on the state support formula of one of the local school corporations.

Jac-Cen-Del received a Certificate of Net Assessed Valuation. In 2005 Jac-Cen-Del's assessed valuation was $166,047,188. In 2006 Jac-Cen-Del's assessed valuation will be $164,094,460, which is a decrease from last year.

During patrons comments, Lois Workman addressed the board on the independent living classes which she was taking and the reason she was in attendance at this board meeting was part of her class work.

Joyce Muckerheide was concerned with the size of the fourth grade classes.

Gerald Workman discussed his concerns on attendance, with the growing absenteeism and the accountability students have today.

Under personnel:

· A temporary contract was given to Nancy Narwold as special education teacher at Jac-Cen-Del Jr/Sr. High School until a replacement can be found. This contract may be terminated with ten (10) days notice with no benefits.

· Paul Thole (math instructor) and Matt Slaven (English instructor) were hired for remediation at the Jac-Cen-Del Jr./Sr. High School.

· Debra Roberts will be a non-certified special education aide on Bus Route #17 (special needs bus) for the remainder of the 2005/2006 school year. She will receive $12.05 an hour with no benefits.

The board adopted a resolution to establish a Rainy Day Fund for the purpose of Severance and Retirement Obligations for certified and non-certified staff and the Resolution to Transfer Money to the Rainy Day Fund.

The board approved Advanced Life Science: Foods as a new secondary vocational program at the JCD Jr./Sr. High School to be taught by Charlotte Salkeld during the 2006/2007 school year.

Three (3) 66-passenger school buses were approved for purchase for delivery July 1, 2006.

The rate of 44.5 cents per mile for business miles driven was set by the Internal Revenue Service beginning March 1, 2006.

All five members of the board were present: Kathleen Dickman, Deanna Young, Charles Hughes, Paul Hardy and John Billman. The next regular meeting of the Jac-Cen-Del Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, March 21, in the JCD Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. (tentative time).