Jac-Cen-Del High School principal retires

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Johnny Budd is the new principal for the Jac-Cen-Del Junior Senior High School. Budd, who was the assistant principal, replaces Ray Ratledge who stepped down December 21 because of health reasons. It was an emotional evening for both men at the December JCD School Board meeting.

Budd said, “I have mixed emotions. I have lost a colleague, friend and mentor. It is sad for me, but I thank you for your confidence in me.”

All of the school board members expressed their appreciation to Ratledge for his service and dedication to JCD and wished Budd well as he takes over the position of principal.

Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School Principal, Leanna Phillippe, gave a Power Point presentation on ISTEP+. Phillippe reported most grade levels did see an increase in reading and math scores. “We were pleased to see an increase in the writing prompt. Primary special education continues to maintain scores. We saw a decrease in grade four and intermediate special education. Math will be the focus of our ISTEP+ analysis in January.”

Superintendent Bill Narwold reported that 60 students have signed up for driver’s education. Because of some training sessions held by Leanna Phillippe on substitute teaching, eight new applications have been sent off. He also advised the receipt of monies from the state. The Full Day Kindergarten grant of $53,868.00 was received and the textbook reimbursement from the state was 100% reimbursed at $33,432.81.

JCD’s basketball teams are highly rated. The boys team is ranked #1 in the state and the girls team is #2. They are undefeated.

The “I Caught You” award was presented to Kelvin Comer. Comer made wooden military soldiers for each branch of the service and they were presented to military personnel who attended the Veterans Day program.

Congratulations were given to Mr. Thole and the Jac-Cen-Del Robotics Team, who recently competed in a statewide contest. Justin Stepleton placed third in the Autonomous Division, Ethan Hess and Josh Obermeyer placed first in the Radio Controlled Division with a special recognition to Hess for remaining undefeated in all 15 of his matches and for being the overall top scorer in the whole contest.
A projector valued at $1,000 was donated to the school from the Virtual Academy. The school board agreed to an Inter-Local Agreement with the Indiana Virtual Academy. The academy is located at the Versailles Career Center. They had more than 1,000 students taking classes this summer and is considered the premiere academy in Indiana.

Treasurer Ruth Ann Peetz reported several tax amounts have been received from the county auditor: $68,373 for property tax replacement, $13,454 for vehicle excise tax and $43,429 for financial institutions. The full amount from property tax should be received on December 31. On January 1, the new State Board of Accounts computer system goes into effect.