New boys locker room projected
Milan School Superintendent resigns
Cindy DiFazio, Staff Writer

At the May 15 meeting of the Milan Community School Corporation’s Board of School Trustees, Superintendent Donald Swisher read his letter of resignation. Swisher has been superintendent for 12 years. His resignation will become effective on June 30. Board secretary, Stephanie Baker, stated, “With regret, I will make a motion to accept.” The motion was seconded and the board voted 5-0 to accept Swisher’s resignation.

Towards the end of the hour-long meeting, the President’s Prerogative portion gave board members the opportunity to address all the issues discussed. Board president, David Voss, expressed his appreciation to Swisher for his tenure with the school system saying, “I thank you for the 12 years. There are not many superintendents who will stay around for 12 years.”

In other matters, the Milan High School band director, Stephanie Bedel, thanked the board for approving the band tour. Bedel reported that the tour was a huge success and shared that a highlight of the tour was that the band had the honor of opening for country singer, Pam Tillis.
Bedel also reported that the band participated in the Indiana State Music Association competition. In previous years, the band had competed at the Group 3 Level bringing home the Silver Medal. Bedel was proud to announce that the band competed a level higher this year, in Group 2, and won the Gold Medal.

Milan High School principal, Michael Parks, presented new agriculture class textbooks for the board’s consideration. Parks was representing the agriculture teacher, who could not be present at the meeting. He explained that the textbooks currently being used are out-dated, some from as far back as 1990. The landscaping book now in use recommends chemicals that have since been banned. Parks went on to explain that these types of books are produced in limited numbers because they are specialty books, making them cost more. He recommended that the corporation buy a set of 30 classroom books in each agricultural subject, making replacing them more affordable. More can be purchased in coming years as the price declines. The board adopted the new books unanimously.

In New Business, a new locker room for the Milan High School varsity boys was proposed. The lockers currently in use are the original lockers installed when the school was built. They do not provide adequate storage for football equipment, and security has been an issue. Money to replace the lockers will come from Capital Project Funds. Board president, David Voss, stated that the lockers have held up very well and complimented students past and present saying, “They’ve been taken care of by the kids. It’s a credit to them.”

Superintendent Swisher, reported that the school corporation’s insurance renewal rate will be cheaper this year. The corporation paid $104,294 last year, and will pay $91,349 this year for a savings of $12,945. Swisher said that the schools’ insurance company is really working for the corporation.
Swisher shared a need for a homebound instructor for a young person who is in fragile health and in need of the service. The homebound instructor was approved.

At the end of the session, board members expressed their feelings concerning things discussed at the meeting. Voss congratulated the new school board members. Voss advised, “Mr. Swisher has thrown us a slider. It’ll be a challenge right out of the gate.”

Board member, Anthony Veldaus, speaking of Swisher’s resignation agreed, saying “It’s going to be hard to replace him.” Veldaus also welcomed the three new board members and wished them luck.
Board member, Anita Pitts, whose term on the board expires this year stated, “I’m glad to be moving on, but I’ll miss it.”

Pitts also said that she would still be pulling for a new cafeteria for the middle school. Pitts noted that classes start eating at 10:30 in the morning and lunchtimes continue until almost 1:00 p.m. Pitts stated that she sees this as a wellness issue. She explained, “We make our kids eat too fast, and that’s not healthy.”

Board members, Edward Amberger and Stephanie Baker also congratulated new board members and wished Swisher well. The meeting then adjourned.