Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Cathy May of the Ripley County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, recognized Deborah Fryer as the Milan Role Model at the Milan school board meeting held Monday, February 25. Fryer, a sophomore at the Milan High School, is an athlete and the class valedictorian. As a member of the track team, she is “eager to encourage others to do their best,” said May. Fryer is also a member of the student council and the National Honor Society and is a Lilly Scholarship finalist.

The Role Model program was started five years ago by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) to encourage students to abstain from tobacco use. According to May, 81 high schools in Indiana participate in this program. “It has made a significant difference in kids who don’t smoke and won’t start,” said May. Funding for the Role Model program is funded by the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation program. As a role model, Fryer received posters to distribute to the businesses and schools in the community.

Concerned patron Doug Norman questioned the school board’s decision to withdraw from North Central Accreditation for one year. “Was the withdrawal because Milan schools can’t meet NCA standards?” he asked the board. Norman spoke to the superintendents of Batesville and South Ripley schools, and was told that “it was important to belong to the NCA.” He urged the board to “not settle, but go above and beyond Public Law 221.”

Superintendent Andrew Jackson reassured Norman that withdrawal from NCA will not affect a student’s ability to apply for and receive scholarships. Jackson spoke to a representative from Purdue University, and discovered that the type of accreditation is not a concern for universities. According to Jackson, North Central Accreditation average scores in language arts and math is about 66%. The state average, through Public Law 221, is about 68% in language arts and math. Jackson stated that Milan’s ISTEP scores were well above both of these percentages.

Middle school principal Marty Layden congratulated Nate Greer on reaching his fundraising goal for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge that was held on February 23. Nate raised about $3500, of which $1100 was raised by the middle school students. “He did a nice job,” said Layden.

In other business:

• The board unanimously approved a revision to Policy 8020 criminal history background checks to include chaperones and volunteers. This change will take effect beginning the 2008-2009 school year
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• The recommendations to change the first grade report card to show: O (outstanding, 95-100); S (satisfactory, 94-85); N (needs improvement, 84-75) was approved. Current report cards show two S grades.

• Insurance quote specifications were unanimously approved. According to Jackson, there are four agencies interested, and the quotes should be in by April.

• A water softener for the high school cafeteria was unanimously approved.

• A lease agreement for the Good News Club to use the elementary gym was approved unanimously.

• Eighth grade history field trips to French Lick/West Baden and the high school biology class field trip to see the Bodies exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center were unanimously approved. Also, the board approved the science class field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo.

• The last student day will be May 26 with the teacher last day as May 28.

• The board unanimously approved Liz Cunningham as a Title I aide. Maternity leave for Chris Clark was approved. Resignations for drill team coach Brianna Kovacich and varsity cheer coach Anne Marie Layden were accepted. Linda Oelker received approval to attend a conference on February 28-29.

• The sophomore class fundraiser to sell T-shirts and the high school SADD chapter to host a Kids Night Out fundraiser was approved unanimously.

• The board approved the use of the high school cafeteria for a gospel sing on April 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. with proceeds going to support the troops.

• Approval for the use of the middle school on March 15 was given to Students Today, Leaders Forever, sponsored by the Church of Christ. This program involves college students on spring break doing service work for communities.

All the board members were in attendance along with corporation Attorney Larry Eaton. The next board meeting will be held on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the superintendent’s office.