Shakamak board receives information on Coalmont property

As the business began, an update on the Coalmont property was first on the agenda.

Auctioneer John Wells advised the board as to the proper process in selling the old school property. He said he would offer his services to accept bids and then present them to Epple. If there were no bids that were 90 percent of the appraised value, which is according to Indiana law, he could arrange a public auction.

"I think we should move as quickly as possible on this," noted Epple.

The board set a time line of up to 60 days for accepting bids.

Nancy Cummings, Greene County Prevention and Cessation coordinator, spoke to the board on the advantages of a smoke free school and presented a handout explaining criteria for a 100 percent tobacco free campus according to CDC guidelines.

Cummings added that it is not only smoking that is harmful but also smokeless tobacco and cigars.

In a unanimous vote, the board voted to approve the 2007-08 and 2008-09 teacher contract that stipulates a one percent raise for teachers retroactive for 2007-08 and a one and a half percent raise in 2008-09. Leave days were increased from 12 o 13.

The board voted 5-0 to join other Greene County schools in its consortium with CAPE to develop an alternative school to be located on the WRV campus. Buildings used by Eastern-Greene while the new high school was in the building process would be moved to WRV campus.

The cost for each county school would be $18,000 to start the program and $22,000 each year for expenses.

No decision was made for full-day kindergarten. Epple suggested that the board wait until the new elementary principal is in place and let that individual help with the decision.

However, he explained that if the decision is made for full-day kindergarten it would require hiring a teacher and two aides. He also added that the state has only designated a two-year program for full-day kindergarten and is not sure if it will be funded after that time period.

The board approved foreign language text books recommended by foreign language teacher, Nancy Edwards.

Edwards noted that the books also came with software and were up to date, had flexibility and most engaging.

In his report, Epple noted that the new freezer was installed and working well. He thanked Jack Ridinger for the use of IGA facilities.

Epple also announced that Thursday is the last day of school. Friday is teacher's work day, and the honors program is also that evening.

"The baccalaureate/senior send off on Sunday went well," noted Epple. "I commend the ministerial association for putting it together."

Junior/Senior High Principal Vanessa Hodge announced that the senior breakfast would be Thursday morning with graduation practice following. She also reported that the commencement would be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

School board members gave condolences to the Rose family and commended teachers and staff for handling the situation, thanked the ministerial association for the baccalaureate service and gave accolades to Pam Jerrell, executive secretary, for her recent award.

In other business, the board:

* Accepted resignations of Amanda Wampler, newspaper advisor; color guard assistant, due to lack of students; Linda Miller, school bus aide.

* Approved hiring of Jenny Scott for SADD sponsor, teachers for summer school if enrollment permits, and Brian Rumple as summer student technology assistant.

* Permitted teacher Kenna Slough to take four students to FFA convention in Lafayette and Missy Mattox to take students on a reward trip to St. Louis paid by students and bus driver.

* Voted to allow Farmersburg's ball team to use Shakamak's ball field.

* Heard Epple's report that Sullivan is not interested in tuition sharing agreement and received a report on breakdown of cost of special needs staff.

* Approved student handbook for 2007-08 with a change in Internet youth policy.

* Accepted resolution of school improvement plan.